Keep It Simple

(Luke 9:1-3 MSG) Jesus called the Twelve...and commissioned them to preach the news of God's kingdom and heal the sick. He said, "Don't load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple." This principle also applies to backpacking and wilderness canoeing, two of my favorite activities as a young man.

Back in the Seventies I lived in the Missouri Ozarks. Two teacher friends and I formed a company called Ozark Backpackers. We guided teenage boys on 3-5 day treks into the mountains. When backpacking, you realize the value of downsizing to lighten the load. No one needed to carry more than 35 pounds.

In the Eighties I guided trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota and Canada. The same principle applied except we had the luxury of a canoe to support the load most of the time. We portaged between lakes or around waterfalls bearing all the gear including canoes. Those times frequently took multiple trips. When rapids loomed, a decision had to be made. Most could be run safely.


The canoes were beached above the rapids.  We scouted the swift water from a vantage point near the roughest part. We were looking for the natural "V" in the water. This illustrated where the river flowed between rocks. If we stayed in that part of the river, all we needed to do was keep the boat straight. The person in the rear would act as the rudder while the bow paddler supplied the power. Fortunately I never overturned my canoe. I can't say the same for the less experienced teens in the group.

Jesus sent his disciples out with the instruction not to overload themselves with equipment. This is excellent advice whether on a campaign for the Lord or vacationing in the wilderness. The excursion will be more enjoyable and problems minimized if we keep it simple.