“When we begin to discover and to drop the barriers and fears which prevent us from being ourselves and which prevent the life of the Holy Spirit from flowing through us, we become more simple. Simplicity is no more and no less than being ourselves, knowing that we are loved. It is knowing that we are accepted, with our qualities, our flaws and as we are in the depths of our being. Simplicity is letting the love and the light of God flow and shine through us.”
–Jean Vanier, Community and Growth
I wonder if one is able to live in this ‘simplicity’ before the last third of life. (Referring to age 60 and forward ) For me, the relentless struggle to simply live is waining. My joy in helping children and elderly is in place, I know that I am loved and accepted. In the 1990s, I discovered a quote by Leanne Payne in one of her books, “The journey of life is for setting love in order”. At that time I interpreted the journey as linear. Now I understand it as mutidimensional and bask in simple acceptance. However, it is like basking in the sun on a mostly cloudy day.
I so enjoy today’s writing. Thank you for your faithful commitment to bringing I/O to us daily.