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SIMPLE40 - Day 2 - Simplicity Defined


When all is still cold and frozen, the crocus breaks through the snow.
When all is still cold and frozen, the crocus breaks through the snow.

Simplicity means different things to different people. For some, it sounds like “less.” For others, it sounds like “peace.” For many of us, it feels like something we crave… but aren’t always sure how to reach it.


As we begin this SIMPLE40 journey, it helps to remember that there are at least two kinds of simplicity:

  • Exterior simplicity: what we choose to lessen, remove, or detach from

  • Interior simplicity: the deeper work of the heart: purity of intention, unity, freedom, and peace in God


This Lent, we will be addressing both.


Most of us can agree that simplicity involves a lessening of certain things for the good of our well-being. But Christian simplicity is more than decluttering a drawer or cutting back on distractions.


True simplicity is always about holiness.


One of my favorite descriptions of simplicity comes from Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, O.C.D., in Divine Intimacy:

Simplicity impels the soul in one direction only: to God, to live for Him, to please Him, and to give glory to Him. The whole spiritual life consists in this progressive simplification which proceeds at an equal pace with interior purification.

That phrase - progressive simplification - is so important.


Simplicity is not something we achieve overnight. It is a slow purification, an interior clearing away, as God draws us into His love.


A simple life is not an empty life. It is an integrated life. A life ordered toward one end: God.


So today, take a gentle look at your relationship with Him:

  • Where do you feel divided or scattered?

  • What complicates your peace?

  • What attachments keep you from living with freedom of heart?

  • Where might Jesus be inviting you into greater simplicity?



  • Simplicity is:

    • Virtuous

    • A chosen way of life

    • Knowing who you are

    • Knowing whose you are

    • Beautiful

    • Necessary for growth

    • Lived both interiorly and exteriorly

    • Using your gifts to build the Kingdom of God




  • Simplicity is not:

    • Minimalism for its own sake

    • Involuntary poverty

    • A certain aesthetic or lifestyleEscaping responsibility

    • “Doing nothing”

    • Easy

    • Anti-technology or anti-social media




Simplicity is freedom.

Freedom to love.

Freedom to listen.

Freedom to live for God alone.


Day 2 Check-In: The Grayscale Challenge

Did you try the Ash Wednesday grayscale phone challenge?

If you did… how is it going? If not, what is holding you back from making the change?


I have noticed something interesting: when my screen becomes less stimulating, I naturally put my phone down faster. Messages, calendars, quick tasks - yes. But the pull to linger fades. It is a small exterior practice… but it supports an interior shift of the mind and the heart.

SPIRITUAL - SELF - SERVICE

The path of simplicity leads to holiness
The path of simplicity leads to holiness

Simplicity always touches all three:

  • SPIRITUAL: clearing space for God

  • SELF: learning peace and restraint

  • SERVICE: being available to others


Lenten Simplicity Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Free me from anything that keeps me from You. Clear away the clutter in my heart, mind, and soul. Remove bitterness, resentment, self-pity, envy, or anger…and replace them with gratitude, kindness, compassion, mercy, and love. Help me to see the path that leads to holiness, to simplicity, to You. AMEN.



SIMPLE40 Practice: Intentional Movement

Movement is one of the most overlooked ways to reconnect soul, mind, and body.

It does not need to be intense. It just needs to be intentional.


Walk. Stretch. Dance in the kitchen. Lift weights. Do squats while folding laundry. Move in a way that brings you back into the present moment.


40 minutes daily, in whatever form fits your season. I am happy to say that I did what I said yesterday - 30 minutes on the treadmill followed by some mat pilates and stretching.

SIMPLE Recipe - Mozzarella Chicken

A quick, easy and delicious weeknight meal ~serves 8


8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

1/4 cup flour

1+ tsp. salt

freshly ground balck pepper

4 Tbsp. butter, divided

1/2 pound baby bella mushrooms, thinly sliced

8 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)

Garnish options:

1 red bell pepper, sliced into rings

Fresh parsley

baby tomatoes, halved


  • Preheat oven to 325.

  • Combine flour, salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in the mixture to thoroughly coat.

  • Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a large skillet (cast iron is lovely).

  • Add chicken and saute until golden brown on all sides.

  • Transfer cooked chicken to a 9x13 casserole dish.

  • Melt remaining 2 Tbsp butter in the same skillet and add mushrooms, sauteeing until tender.

  • Cover chicken breasts with the mushrooms and top with mozzarella cheese.

  • Bake at 325 for 20 minutes and then broil for 1-2 minutes to brown and crisp up the cheese.

  • Garnish with whatever you like...the red bell peppers, parsley, tomatoes, etc...


ENJOY!

Integrated Life Reminder

Keep Christ at the center.

Simplicity is not about doing less for the sake of less…it is about living with one clear direction: To live for Him.


Our Lord needs from us neither great deeds nor profound thoughts. Neither intelligence nor talents. He cherishes simplicity. – Saint Therese of Lisieux

See you tomorrow, Day 3.



 
 
 

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