Life is Simple

Life is simple when we live simply! It is by this motto that I am trying to live my life and pave the way for my family. My wife and I do not make a lot of money in the eyes of the world, but over the past year we have experienced an unexplainable joy—a true joy that cannot come from a beautiful home, money in the bank, or even a dream job. From renting a one-bedroom apartment to now living with my in-laws, our living situation has been less than ideal, but through this time, we have grown closer to one another and our Lord. Our first year of marriage certainly has been a test of how “simple” life can be. Simple, of course, does not mean easy.

We have given up the search for the perfect house—simply because it does not exist and even if it did, it cannot bring us happiness. All too often we hear about how great the market is to buy a house. “It’s a buyer’s market...interest rates are at their lowest...why rent when you can own?” While the interest rates and house prices continue to drop, it is a BAD market—not a buyers market. The housing market is ugly and doesn’t look like it will be improving soon. My wife and I have gone from looking to invest in a house to buying a home. A home is not an investment—it’s a safe place for families to be nurtured and grow. A home is where my wife and I will develop our “Domestic Church” as Vatican II calls each family. The house, condo, or apartment does not produce this—the family does.

While we continue to search for a home, I can’t help but think of the homes in which Jesus lived and how Joseph and Mary prepared Jesus for His ministry by living simply. From Bethlehem to Egypt to Nazareth, the Holy Family lived simply. If we look at the Nativity scene, we find Jesus living amongst the animals in the manger. Shortly after, Joseph took the family to Egypt, where there was no job waiting for him—we can assume that he had to find work and a place to live for the time they spent there. Finally, in Nazareth, we know that Joseph was a carpenter. There is no mention of lavish living or palaces for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. They lived simply.
This carries into Jesus’ public ministry, especially in when He sends his disciples out two by two. His instructions-live simply! “Take nothing with you but a walking stick.” He tells them. As Jesus himself traveled, that is how He lived. He and His disciples did not stay in luxurious hotels. Jesus did not build a 13 bedroom mansion for them to return to and retire in. Instead, they were constantly traveling, staying where they could rest their head—even if that meant around a campfire.

How simple of a lifestyle these men lived. The Disciples trusted completely in the Lord providing for them. They took their example from Jesus who took His example from his humble beginnings, being raised by a carpenter and his humble wife. We can learn from this example as well. For instance, when I look at all the “things” and “stuff” that I so desperately want to give my family I remember the words, “Take nothing with you for the journey, but a walking stick.” In that sentence, Jesus tells us that our life is a journey and the journey can be hard, but it can be even harder when you have to carry all these things on your back. The road may be steep and windy at times, but with a walking stick, the climb is a bit simpler. Jesus also lends us a hint as to what matters in life—obviously “things” and “stuff” are not important, but what’s more? THE JOURNEY is important. It is the journey that leads us home.