Life is complicated

Complicated made from Simple

The message on my screen read - Life is complicated! This was an email in response to mine. At 4.30am on my way to mass, this first line didn’t bring much comfort, life is complicated I muttered under my breath. 

I got teary eyes, they have stayed most of the day Not sad, exactly. More like thoughtful! I slowly pedal through paper on my desk to see the light forward. 

As I peer above the concrete wall outside my window I see the birds dancing in the air, planes ascending and descending with people returning home with joy, people starting an adventure and those who are seeking. The sky shines reminding me of the blue ocean that my feet long to walk in its familiar crashing waves. There is a beautiful melancholy that is apart of the air. 

I also think that maybe my mood has something to do with the season of thanks and giving, the anticipation of advent around the corner, with the deep knowing that Christ is our hope and its not because we did anything to deserve it. 

By this statement “life is complicated” gifting through the words that simplest way to listen to what is happening in life. 

There is an American Christian singer Bryan Morykon, who has produced a few worship songs, there is one called Be Kind. 

“Be kind to one another. Jesus will show you how. 

You’ve got to keep those words of life in your heart

So they spill right out of your mouth.”

Listening as these words naturally flowed out of my mouth in harmony with the music, I realised that in an instant all of my relationships seem so much less complicated. As the simple tune weaved its way into my heart, I am remembered again what it means to love, to forgive, and to depend on Jesus. And my thankfulness showed up with no undertones muttered. 

Simple words with a simple melody carrying a profound truth. 

Its funny I guess, more I dwell on these three words more I realise that they are familiar with an unfamiliar ring to them. 

The words have a bluntness about them, very accurate appraisal of our existence on this earth. 

With an air of familiarity, spoken by Job “ Life is unfair.” On top of this, rather these words tell the opposite, Life is simple, life is pure truth! 

This morning sitting in mass listening to the rhythmic flow of the homily, I stared at the large crucifixion that seem this morning to be out of portion to the chapel. I was puzzling through the statement or rather what was behind the statement in the first place. I listened to the thoughts scampering about through my brain, and realised that when life gets incredibly painful or complicated or seems impossible to see the light on the path, funny little threads connect between things that are true and things that I merely want to be true. 

Sometimes its important to cross out those wishful thoughts - 

Jesus died on the cross (so my life would be easier) 

Jesus died on the cross (to end all suffering) 

Jesus died on the cross (so everyone could be peacefully happy) 

Jesus died on the cross, and I want to follow His ways (so I will always know what He wants me to do next) 

I was taken back by the fact its rather not complicated is it! Its simple - Jesus died on the cross for me. (us) There will indeed be a time when there is no more suffering, everyone happy and when nothing bad will every happen again, when what comes next is forever known and all problems are past. 

But that isn’t today. For today I am asked to be content with knowledge and love of the Lord, the forgiveness of my sins, the grace to live out what I believe, and the promise of life everlasting. 

Today this is enough! 

Life is Complicated - Life is Simple!