It’s Not Settled…Some More Thoughts on Simplicity!

A "Simplicity" pattern came up when one person thought of the word "simplicity." What comes up for you? (find vintage patterns like this one at www.vintagepatternwarehouse.com)

Sometimes the way we ask a question impacts how we answer it.
 
My friend, Norman (from my blog last week), decided to continue to play with the words, “simplicity” and settling,” by sending an email out to friends and getting their responses.  He received 18 replies!
 
Norman asked them to consider “simplicity” and “settling” and respond first in a word or two, then in a sentence—what do they meant to you? 
 
Notice the way he took the same words and asked a different kind of question than I had at the beginning of this series of blog posts. 


He did not start with contrast as I had when I asked, “What do you think is the difference between 'simplicity' and 'settling'?”  Instead, he presented them in a neutral way to call forth personal associations with each.
 
Consider the nuance. 
 
The tone of my question (especially if you heard me ask it) leans towards “settling for,” rather than the state of “being settled.”  His question left both possibilities open. 
 
Before you read some of the answers Norman received, take a moment to sit with his invitation to reflect on what “simplicity” and “settling” mean to you.  What comes to mind when hearing each word?

• Jot down a word or two for each.
• Write down a sentence for each.

 __________________________________________

Now here is a taste of the answers from this diverse group including professors, pastors, a women’s issues advocate, an engineer, world travelers, and more...
 
Simplicity in a few words:
Grace
Least complicated
Intuitively understood
Peace
Back to basics
 
Settling in a few words:
Resolved
Established
At peace with God
 
 
Simplicity in a Sentence:

• The least complicated, most efficient form of an entity, not complicated.
• Putting God truly first in everything I do; it is not easy but Jesus gives the necessary provision to follow (Matthew 6:25-26).
• Appreciating the small things.
• I am a seamstress and my mom was a seamstress so I had a flash of a Simplicity Pattern (for making clothes), but then the thought quickly went to simple, dialed back, easy, no stress, enjoyable.
• Something is not complicated – it is simple—sometimes I also think of it as one not going into too much detail in explaining something.
• Absence of complications and complex details.
• Being content with not having a lot of fancy things or stuff to deal with.
• In the German language the English word “Simplicity” has two meanings; therefore, it depends on the context in which the word is to be used – one translation means simple without meaning simple but easy. The other definition is naivety and as well fatuity (stupid, simple, single).
• "Simplicity" has different translations depending on the context, like the word “love” in the Greek has three translations. 

 
 
Settling in a Sentence:

• I am happy where I am and with my circumstances at this time of my life.
• An understanding has been reached—it could mean you feel good about where you are in life in a place.
• Going deep and thinking/reflecting on a matter to gain a deeper (versus superficial) understanding of what God is saying on the matter, i.e., let it settle with me for a while.
• Having come to conclusion, decision reached, the end of the discussion.
• That condition where no other action or thought is required.

 
Did you notice how he received more answers for the word “simplicity” than for the word “settling”?  Why might that be?  Perhaps the word “settling” is not as simple! 
 
May you, like Norman, reflect, play, and pray with these words (and invite others into the fun!). 

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