Less is More (Updated from 10/5/2014)

 

"The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less."

-- Socrates

I grew up in small houses.  As I got older my parents continued to prosper and "upsized" our lifestyle to larger and nicer digs.  When I finally struck out on my own I found that I was always too busy to worry about upsizing my life, but that did not deter me, or my ex-wife, from collecting mountains of crap.  I finally discovered two life lessons, larger isn't always better, and beware what you wish for. What's an Edsel?

"Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like."

-- Will Rogers

Houses require maintenance, and logic dictates larger homes require more maintenance.  Actually, they require more of everything; heating and cooling, electricity, water, water for irrigation, and heaven forbid you upsize to a pool, with all that entails, as anyone with a hot tub and the requisite chemistry set well knows.  You also find that the extra cabinets and storage require you to purchase more crap to fill them, and not just any ol' crap, useless crap.

After my divorce, I promised myself that everything I now owned would, forever, fit in the back of a pickup truck.  If it didn't fit, I didn't need it.  I have been much happier ever since.  I found that, along with knowing where everything I owned was, I began purchasing less crap and focused more on quality.  Glass tumblers for bourbon gave way to crystal, and stock dishware gave way to Portuguese ceramics.  Functional replaced cheap, impressive, flamboyance.  The flowery silverware with the heavy-ended handle, which always felt the need to prove gravity works by hitting the floor at every turn, was replaced by simple, balanced, stainless steel flatware that could withstand being run over by a tank.  The spoons also didn't bend when you scooped well-frozen ice cream.

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

-- Leonardo da Vinci

When my parents and I finished designing my new house, Dad balanced his idea of minimal with my requirements for functionality.  The guest room is my study.  How often you have guests should dictate the size of the guest bathroom or closet.  The house ended up being 1200 square feet, including the large screened-in back porch, but it is a very functional space.

So, everyone reading this is probably waiting for me to get to the point, right?

Well, in life this philosophy of "less is more" is a way to keep everything in some semblance of manageable order.  For instance, if you have no credit card debt or bills, you can pretty much do away with the need for check registers and a monthly budget.  No debt means you own the money you earn, not the bank, or debtors.

"Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated."

--Confucius

As you look around at your own life, ask yourself how you are doing with "less is more."  Be honest, because you're only lying to yourself.  Now, ask yourself, how this philosophy relates to your spiritual life.  

Have you given your minister everything he wants you to give, to God and the church, for the everlasting salvation of your soul?  Or, have you finally realized that the new roof for the church is not as important as feeding your children, or the starving children of others?  Maybe God really doesn't require "tithing" as much as the church does?  Maybe you can't really buy your way into heaven, or rely on the minister to get you there, because God expects more from you than this. 

Where in scripture does it say to build a church? Jesus told Simon Peter that, upon this rock of a man I will build my congregation.  Yeah, the Bible needs a little translation help.

Remember what I said about the larger house?  Churches are just buildings that require the expenditure of funds better spent on taking care of your own family and doing God's work.  $50 directly feeding the needy and the homeless is more bang for the buck than paying someone else to do it or roofing the old church.  Oh, and "administrative fees" on your donation, is just another way of saying they are a "for-profit" charity.

How about your "love" life?  Is it really loved?  I always like to ask women if the "stud" they're dating has possibilities.  Has he let you see his books? And I don't mean the latest novel he bought... if he can actually read.  Is he in debt for purchasing crap just to impress?  Is he here today and gone tomorrow, or is he concentrating on developing a quality future with a life partner?  Personally, I'd go with a good stock portfolio, property investments, and cash in the bank, over "fast and furious" with good looks, a hot car, and anything else a woman desires.  If he's that "exciting" is he really going to want to be bogged down with one relationship?  But, my opinion is because I'm older, and never had a mid-life crisis. I don't even know what a "mid-life crisis" is.

Well, this is all I have.  Isn't this enough?  I guess this "sermon" is all about making the more out of life with less; making the best of your particular situation by simplifying your life.  We all want more, but at what price?  How much of our immortal soul are we willing to trade for society's, or religion's, definition of happiness?  Or, as I stated in a previous post on monetary debt, whose slave are you willing to be for the rest of your life?  Visa?  Mastercard?  The auto dealership? The mortgage company? Really, it could be your last free choice. Being owned by someone is a real bitch.

Is more really making you happy, or is it just another lie that makes life easier to bear?  I leave you with a thought: Strive to be truly happy always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances.  This is a simple choice.

"Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you."

-- Lao Tzu

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

 Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com