Are You Keeping it Simple When it Comes to Coping With Illness?

People tell us we should be keeping it simple, but where do you start when your illness is complicated? Karlton explains.

“The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” (Proverbs 19:23)

There is a principle sometimes mentioned among those involved in technology. It is called “The KISS Principle”. KISS stands for “Keep It Simple, Stupid.” That may sound insulting, but the principle is sound. Keeping things simple in technology, avoiding adding needlessly complicated layers to operating systems, often makes better operating systems, where complicating such systems can add vulnerabilities and weaknesses and failure into such systems.

I am a firm believer in “The KISS Principle.” I think it applies in many more areas than just technology. Anyone with afflictions who needlessly adds complications into their lives needs to begin adding The KISS Principle instead.

Count the cost. There is much wisdom in the following verse: “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? (Luke 14:28)

I believe that too often those with afflictions do not count the cost of their plans and promises. We should be optimistic, but also realistic.

Sometimes I have a better day or two and can lose sight of how quickly my condition changes, big changes from day to day. I can set my sights on doing things that I might get by with on my better days, but that are beyond my reach on more challenging days.

Then there are times we needlessly add difficulties and complications that take away our limited energy and abilities. Things we could easily do without, certain involvements, tasks, objects without which our lives would be easier, less complicated, simpler. We need to count the cost, and ask ourselves if we are following “The KISS Principle” or adding needless layers of complications to our lives.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to keep our lives simple and uncomplicated so that we can focus on the truly important things in life. Amen.

About the Author:
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. It is his desire to follow The KISS Principle, keeping his life uncluttered, and always counting the cost.

Do you needlessly complicate your life? Do you consider the cost to your health and abilities when you make plans?

This is a soft, beautiful song, I Lift My Eyes Up sung by Debbie Smith Tebay. When we get caught up trying to make life more complicated than it needs to be, we can stop and remember that we are at God’s feet and –if we allow Him to–He will take care of it all. Sigh. . . Trying to remember this each day. -Lisa