Don’t we all yearn for abundance in life? Abundance of food, money, supplies, clothes, even happiness. But a good amount of simplicity is good for us and I think yearned for as well. How do they go together? How do we achieve this “simple abundance”?
The definition of simple or simplicity describe plainness and modesty, yet the definition of abundance is a very large quantity of something or a great amount or supply. How can that be? Seems counterintuitive. The origin of the world ‘simple’ comes from old French and Latin. The definition has evolved over time but can be traced to mean easy, direct, plain, pure, and clear. All of which Jesus Christ has used to describe His gospel. The root from the original Latin word ‘semplex’ is ‘sem’ which means one; one fold; or together with. I think of that as being one with God or being together only with Him. And hasn’t God blessed us with a great amount of blessings? Thus the idea of simple abundance becomes so much more meaningful. To me, it means to be grateful for the things I already have and to not be seeking after more, especially when they won’t make me truly happy. Russell M. Nelson calls those things “hollow substitutes” and talks about how it is more exhausting seeking after things that don’t actually make us happy than it is to follow the gospel of Jesus Christ. That is why Jesus says that His burden is easy and that in Him we can find rest. The scriptures talk about people seeking happiness in doing iniquity or taking happiness in sin which is contrary to the nature of Christ. The scriptures also say that wickedness never was happiness. They exhausted themselves seeking for something they could never obtain. Of course the scriptures talk about Jesus Christ being the source of all abundance. Everything else is fleeting and temporary. I think that is why it is so important when talking about simple abundance to refer to God and Jesus as our source. To be grateful for the abundance of blessing we already have and not seek after things that won’t make us actually happy. To be one with God. To not care about the world and what is going on around us but to care only about what God has said. We can achieve that mindset of being “in the place just right” which is the “valley of love and delight”, according to the old Shaker hymn Simple Gifts. I love the image of being in a valley. Up on top, you are above which can mean two things: first, you are looking down in pride or second, across in comparison. Down in the valley, you just see what you have and are happy with it. To be simple is to be free. Free of the concerns, comparisons, and competitions of the world. That is why we won’t be ashamed “to bow and to bend” or to turn and repent because we are only concerned with God and Jesus Christ and what they think of us. That cute little hymn is so deep and meaningful. I love it.
I am just learning about this idea and am still trying to apply it in my life. I am no expert, nor am I perfect but I have found this mindset to be so freeing. I often get weighed down by negative thoughts about myself, anxiety, and other mental challenges. The more I try to focus on gratitude and my relationship with God and Jesus Christ, I find I am not only happier, but more joyful.
Sarah Ban Breathnach has a book called Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy. Some of my inspiration for this post comes from that.
Also this is the talk by Russell M. Nelson that I referenced: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/47nelson?lang=eng#title1