Simple with Humility

Returning from a week’s holiday one would think I would have lots to blog about but I am not sure how one writes about a week of relaxing in the sun, sharing good food and laughter with new friends.  So instead I shall share a bit about a book I read while laying on the beach in the sun. The book is titled “Joshua” and is a parable about Jesus’ life and written by a retired Catholic priest, Joseph Girzone. It is very simply written and a good reminder of how God wants us to live. The story of is of a man, Joshua, who comes to small town, a wood worker by trade and through his conversations with the town folk he reminds the people of Jesus’ message to us “that all people are free, free to enjoy being God’s children, free to grow and become the beautiful people God intended.” He goes on to say how “real religion is in people’s hearts, not in buildings”. The story talks about churches and how some leaders try and control their congregations and rule them as if playing God, how God never intended us to worship in such a structured way. The book of course ends with some of the religious leaders who fear Joshua, calling him to counsel and after sharing his beliefs with them, Joshua, of his own choice quietly disappears.   In some ways Joshua’s wonderful connection with God and nature reminds me of the minister of the church I attend. His gentle ways, his openness to all people and their faiths and the way he lives a simple and humble life, is truly how God intended us to be.

I was very surprised to find this book, which does not show the better side of the Catholic faith, was written by a Catholic priest. He obviously lived his life under the strict structure of the Catholic Church and yet it couldn’t have been an easy time for him if he truly believes the teachings of Jesus that he has shared in his book.

The story in many ways saddened me because what he wrote of was so very true. How churches and people are so divided and how people use their power over others instead of us all living an equal life where there is food and shelter for all. Our lives should be simpler, our needs much less, but society has us all wanting more. More things for our homes, better vehicles, well just plainly, more stuff. I am as guilty as the next person. But the book also was inspiring and gave me hope. It was good to hear the goodness of us all in Jesus teachings. In my heart I know I just need to walk along the trails or sit by the ocean in solitude, in order to connect with God and enjoy all of creation.  The inner peace and freedom we all crave will not come to us through obtaining more stuff, taking more holidays, having more friends, being busier than we need to be, but it will come to us from inside. All we have to do is open our hearts and just be, surrounded by the spirit of God’s love for all. Live a simple life with humility and openness.