Once in a while this year, focused as we've been on the "fun/weird" calendar, we've been able to "double up" and find an association between holidays...especially if they are in close proximity. So on our way to today, July 12th's "Simplicity Day", we passed over last Friday's "National Kissing Day." I actually thought of a linkage in remembering my father's advice long ago.

No, he didn't offer any guidance on kissing, although I do recall no reticence on his part to show affection for mom in front of us. It does no good to encourage you to kiss someone you love to celebrate the day...although you shouldn't need prompting to kiss the one you love, whether it's passionate or familial. Kissing is healthy...it can lead to increased saliva production, burns up to 10 calories a minute, relieves stress and can ease allergy symptoms! While scientists argue about whether kissing is in our nature (squirrels do it, parrots do it, chimps do it, even cows and elephants do it) or nurture (learned behavior) all agree if it's a romantic clinch or a peck on the cheek it is a sign of love.

In fact this column is all about this day's celebration of simplicity. I think of my father's encouragement to KISS...keep it simple, stupid! Now I don't think he thought I was stupid...even though I oft acted the part! He gave good counsel because of his love for his children. In this case he believed that the more you over thought something, whether it be a game of baseball, an essay for homework, constructing a building, whatever...the more chance you took to foul things up. Harold was not a simpleton and he could navigate quite nicely through the complexities of life...but he was not fan of inducing complications by embellishment without a good reason. Most of the difficulties of life are self inflicted through inattention to basics, ignoring the essentials, and sacrificing the utilitarian in favor of the fancy.

This day was originated by the EMILY Fund in tribute to Henry David Thoreau...early 1880's author, abolitionist, and environmentalist.   Among his many standards were that everyone could intentionally and daily do at least one thing to make the world a better place and knowledge was attainable not only from outside of self but also dwells inside of us... if one removed the clutter and unimportant impediments to a oneness with nature. To that end he was one of the first to encourage hiking and outdoor activities as a source of both learning and recreation.

No, Pastor hasn't become a transcendentalist...simplicity is a biblical word. In Hebrew "tom" is translated as integrity and freedom from evil intent...and the Greek word connotes innocence and sincerity of purpose. Along with our scriptural mandate to care for and enjoy nature simplicity invites participation in the foundational reality of all three parts of our creedal belief...that of love.

Which brings me to a final question...did you know that while we are comfortable with a handshake or hug after the Intercessions in our liturgy the early Christians never failed to exchange a "kiss of peace?" While I'm not recommending this practice here, it might help us better understand the bridge between peace and love for each other (with all the resources left over abstaining from frivolous expenditures) and the goodness that comes from a willing adherence to the simple life.

Keeping it simple is keeping it smart!

Pastor Brent,