The Melon and the Knife

simplicity // 4

the Melon and the Knife

As we turn our attention towards simplicity, let’s beware searching nostalgically for a time that never was. As the book of Ecclesiastes (7.10) puts it, ‘Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.’

Neither should we mistake simplicity for a pain-free life. It can hurt, sometimes, if we have to let go, or make space, or downsize, or be still...

And so, this morning, it’s worth considering a sharp challenge from the poet Mary Oliver not to over-simplify matters, even as we seek to live a little more simply. Allow me to leave this powerful image of hers with you, for the rest of the day:

“ ...for each of us, there is the daily life.

Let us live it, gesture by gesture.

When we cut the ripe melon, should we not give it thanks?

And should we not thank the knife, also?

We do not live in a simple world.”

(taken from ‘At the River Clarion’)

* * *

action point

Why not get some fresh fruit today – melon, if possible! – and, taking a sharp knife, thank the fruit, and thank the knife, and eat the fruit, and thank God for bringing you this far on your journey of life and faith. What might the fruit symbolise, for you? And the knife? What might it mean to live simply, in a world that is not so simple?

* * *

rsvp

“I will make space, this Lent, by... giving up addiction.

I am moving towards... the back garden.

I will become more fully present as I go, by... embracing the moment.” Nev

“I will make space, this Lent, by... leaving the computer alone in the evening.

I am moving towards... something entirely unknown and uncontrollable that asks of me my creativity and courage...

I will become more fully present as I go, by... trying to let go of the rest of the day/week/month's plans and rejoicing in the gift of now.” Jenny

“I will make space this Lent by... being less driven to be available to everyone.

I am moving towards... a more open and sharing life with my wife.

I will become more fully present as I go by... focusing on the person/task I am engaged in. No more multi-tasking!” Pete

“So impressed at everyone’s seeming ability to do this… don’t know if it makes it better or worse! The quiet space has so far been elusive, but it’s in there in my head somewhere. Thank you for these lovely daily moments, which is so much better than no moment at all.” Eve

“Thanks for the honest footnote in Day 3. It strikes me that even an interrupted honest, good and well-intentioned plan is better than no plan today; better than than an unrealistic perfect plan for tomorrow; and certainly better than giving up because of failed plans in the past. I pray this Lent that, as we give space in our hearts to the Lover of our Souls, we’ll discover a new heartbeat and a life that will lead us away from all that breaks in to hinder and destroy.” Tony

“Another good saying: ‘perfect is the enemy of the good’. In other words, achieving perfection at something mean others things will suffer... I took my mid-morning cup of tea outside yesterday due to your encouragement. The sun came out so it was a nice moment of reflection. Difficult to reach calmness, though, in the midst of a busy work schedule!” Michael

“I have given up Sudoku and crossword puzzles to release more time for God and I am trying hard to give up PROCRASTINATING! This has been a lifelong battle but I sense that this is the time to hand it over to God as we journey together. A new start - listening and following where He leads, immediately!” Isobel

* * *

Have a wonderful weekend.

Go well!

Brian