Simplify, simplify, simplify, said Thoreau. Easy for him to say in 1854, lacking spouse, children, steady employment. Perhaps not so easy for us, in 2013. But luckily there is someone to not only say it clearly, but show us how to do it. His name is Richard Swenson, a physicist turned M.D. turned author of a popular series of books on that 20 century malaise, Overload. All these books are available for check out at the Messiah’s best-kept secret, our library—that little room just visible from the Gathering Space. One such book is called The Overload Syndrome: Learning to Live Within Your Limits. As in all his books, Dr. Swenson identifies the overall problem: “decreasing space between our load and our limits”--that "margin" were peace and calm and devotion can flourish. Then he identifies specific areas (in this case 13 of them) of life where such margins are being squeezed out. Then he offers “prescriptions”for change —in this case, 175 of them, all consistent with Biblical living. Stop in to the Messiah Library today and pick up one of Swenson’s books, available on a 3-week check-out. It could change your life.

George Slanger

Living in our fast paced, goal oriented, success driven society leads to one thing – overload. Stress, worry, overwork, noise, exhaustion and burnout are a way of life. But this is not what God has called us to! In "The Overload Syndrome", Dr. Swenson shows us that when we bow to the pressures of the world around us, we will not be able to listen for God's voice, follow His plans, and serve His people. By letting go of all the things in our lives that really don't matter – even good things - we free ourselves for the only thing that does: loving God with all our hearts, and loving others with all He gives us. We will be able to become intentional with our time and our activities, driven not by our culture, but by the will of God. ( )