Richard J. Foster's Freedom of Simplicity

Have you ever had that most wonderful of experiences when the perfect book comes into your hands at the perfect time? It’s a blessed occasion when that happens. That is exactly how I feel about Richard J. Foster's book, Freedom of Simplicity. On a Saturday afternoon in January my husband and I had scouted out a used book store in Montreal. It had been a bitterly cold day and the warmth of the small shop was most welcomed. I wasn't in the door five minutes before this slim volume seemed to leap out at me.

I began the book last week and having had the good fortune (or so it seemed) to be bed-ridden with a bad cold over the weekend I was able to read to my heart's content. So smitten am I with Foster's presentation of the topic of simplicity, that I have been both devouring the book's pages and dreading it being finished. He deals with the subject in all of its complexity, building a strong spiritual foundation for the practice and then proceeds to provide counsel on its practical application; all the while fully sensitive and aware of the risks in dealing with the topic. He has shaken up some of my long-held notions causing me to look afresh and to question some of my practices and beliefs.

What is interesting is that I had recently committed myself to a deeper time of prayer and listening to God. I've described it to some as no longer being satisfied with a faded water-colour painting but desiring rather a full colour, vibrant work of art relationship with Jesus. Foster's book speaks to this as well as to the very practical day-to-day application of simplicity.

brightly coloured "rings" of paint from tubes of acrylic paint.

I could so relate to Foster's description of how there was a time when he pushed simplicity of life "indiscriminately" upon people until he realized that simplicity was just another "anxiety-laden burden" on people until they have known first hand God's gracious ability to provide for all their needs.

That I suppose is why some look at simplification and its natural by-product, abundant giving (of money, time, energy), as recklessness. So where does that leave us? Forever divided by a spiritual sea? I wonder. I don't have an answer but I am asking myself a lot of questions.

I haven't finished reading the book yet. It is thought provoking, challenging, exciting and perfectly timed. I love that!

If you have read this or any other of Mr. Foster's books, I'd love to know what you think.

Thank you for visiting My Turquoise Kettle Life today,

May you enjoy a simple day.

Sandra