Her words suggested an elaborate plan.

My mind flooded with caveats.

If you have a pulse, you’ve noticed the extensive planning of proposals today. Our youth are inviting each other to homecoming, prom, on a date, etc. with big productions (posters presented in public places, signs that cover houses, etc.). My prom invitation, received in the form of a note, seems so barbaric by today’s standard. (As the mother of two teenagers, I wrestle with this “over the top” approach. I find myself nodding along with many points in this article).

As her young voice encouraged a wildly creative proposal, I heard myself mutter, “encourage him to just ask…keep it simple.” Even as the words escaped my lips, I knew the lesson was as much for me-as it was for her.

I tend to approach faith in the same way. I try to create some crafty, mind-blowing plan to “demonstrate” my devotion to God. My efforts to “love God well” alter the simplicity of my faith…they change the integrity of my devotion. My faith is reduced to my planning.

I believe, when I’m all wound up in how I’ll approach God, Heaven leans down and whispers, “just ask… keep it simple.”

Today-let’s stop trying to craft elaborate schemes to approach God.

Let’s keep it simple.

Less effort in planning, more attention to the One we desire…the moments we’ll spend together.

We have nothing to prove. God took care of it all.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

Matthew 11:28 (MSG)