simplicity

Thinking about "only one thing," this verse from Psalm 73 came to mind:

Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is nothing upon earth that I desire besides thee.

Many Christians claim this, recognizing that this should describe us. But it's rare to see a life that demonstrates this well. Some have tried to live such a single-minded life by withdrawing from other people and most activity, like monks or other types of hermits. They often do this to avoid temptation and help themselves focus on "the one thing." But such renunciation also catches the attention of others, showing them what the monk thinks is important and so directing their attention in that direction as well.

For a similar reason, Paul recommends the single life: "The unmarried man is anxious about the affairs of the Lord, how to please the Lord; but the married man is anxious about worldly affairs, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided." (1 Cor 7.32-34)

This is really what simplicity of life is about. Not just unburdening ourselves or lowering stress levels, but bringing our lives into a focus on one thing. Moving from scattered-mindedness to single-mindedness. It reminds me of Kierkegaard's book, Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing. And this is not just for ourselves but also for others, because when they notice our attention so intently directed at God, they are prompted to turn and see what's so interesting, so all-consuming.

But is Paul right? Should marriage and family be avoided for the sake of God-directed simplicity? I can certainly see the difficulties that would arise, just as I see it's much harder to remain focused on the one thing when you're in the midst of society (rather than a hermitage). But I've experienced how God can provide the space to live a very focused life outside the cloister, and there seems to be value in having such single-mindedness mixed right in among the world's scattered-mindedness. Perhaps I'll find the same is possible in family life?