There is so much discussion, analysis and soul-searching going on out there – among believers and unbelievers alike. Everyone has a comment to make on our times. And here I am, making mine! It’s good to be thinking, wondering, pondering – but in my heart of hearts, I simply want to know God.

Simplicity is not easy. Simplicity’s root in Latin means 'composed of or characterised by a single part or structure', and 'simplicity' tends to mean 'the quality or condition of being plain or uncomplicated in form or design'. Can my life display a 'plain, uncomplicated form or design'? Can all I am and do have a single focus? Can that focus be, throughout my day, to know God? Surely it can.

And that doesn’t mean I’m thinking about him deliberately all day, or reading my Bible for hours. It means that when I’m communicating with people (all sorts), walking in the fields, gardening at home, listening to music, reading a book, or watching a film, my focal point for all my activities is settled – I want to know God. When I’m weeping, or when I’m rejoicing – I want to know God.

How many strands are there in my mind in any one day? Can I reduce them? How many places will I let my mind jump to? Is it a crazy noisy spaghetti junction in there, or a winding country lane where I travel slow, navigate the corners carefully, and appreciate the hedgerow flowers along the way?

I have an unprecedented opportunity to simplify right now. But 'living the simple life' boils down to 'what’s my biggest desire?' 'what’s my greatest drive?' Define that, and build a simple lifestyle around that single focus – each area of my life like a spoke going back to the central hub. Just that one hub.

I was thinking how 'simple' tasks can vary: weeding a messy tangled patch in the garden this week has taken hours of slow, careful, hard work. But it’s done! The 'simple' task of raising five children in the Christian faith has taken more than 20 years of slow, careful, hard work. It’s not done! But the definition of 'simple' remains the same – 'the quality or condition of being plain or uncomplicated in form or design'. Having the same hub at the centre of it all. Knowing God.

ANGELA THORNE