Monday, October 4, 2010

Simplicity

I tried recently to set up a new laptop and wireless network for a PC user, who will remain unnamed. I was quickly reminded why I have the enthusiasm I do for my mac. In a word, simplicity.

After three failed attempts to setup the network the PC suggested I call customer service. I did so and their automated system disconnected me, not once, not twice, but three times. I was finally successful at getting everything the way we wanted it, but not without great frustration and a bitten lip.

I readily admit, I don't understand PC's. Frankly, I don't think anyone does. I know the tech guys at Staples act like they do, with their fancy words and their complicated Microsoft jargon. But they don't really know. No one does. How else do you explain Vista?

I walked away quickly, joyfully, thankfully, from that Acer laptop ever so grateful to return to the waiting trackpad of my friendly, efficient Macbook. They're just so...there's no words, it's just better.

It's just better with a Mac. They're simple, clean and efficient. I think it's the simplicity that draws me into the fellowship of other mac lovers. All I've ever used, since I was 14 years old, is an Apple product. I once backslid for about a year in an ill advised fling with a cheap Compaq laptop that proved itself as dependable as a leaky rowboat. My conversion is complete. Yes, I even have the apple sticker on the back of my foreign car. As much as is within my power, I'll always use a mac.

Life is complicated enough. I don't need my computer to join the fray.

I feel myself being drawn, in nearly every aspect of my life, to those things that offer the most simplicity. I don't think I am alone. Trend watchers will tell you that there is a paradigm shift occurring in our culture from the complicated and complex to the simple and the organic.

From business models to education plans, cell phones to computers, there is a rebellion occurring and complexity is being thrown out of office. Complexity has two ugly children; reduced efficiency and higher costs. Complicated, demanding systems are often pretentious, affected and incredibly inefficient. They tend to marginalize participants and, when they're "fleshed out", end up serving the system rather than the purpose for which the system exists. I realize these are grand generalizations but as I talk with friends I find this sentiment echoed with increasing frequency.

The office superstore Staples struck a chord with their "easy button" marketing campaign. People are exhausted with complex, convoluted, difficult systems. We want things to be simple again.

Complexity is being replaced with simplicity. There's something very appealing about simple things. Simple chords, simple words, simple acts, simple machines. Simple lives. Life is so complex it overwhelms most of us. Tax codes and instructions, manuals, procedures, red tape, bureaucracy, policy and applications. Why? Why can't things just be simple?

I think they can. I think they are. Things are changing and the world is beginning to arc towards simplicity. A wonder amongst it all is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It has been beautifully simple since Jesus first came.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30 ESV)

I love that. He said, "I'm easy". There is nothing simpler or more compelling than what Jesus Christ offers.