The story follows Elzéard Bouffier, a shepherd who dedicates his life to reforesting a barren valley in the French Alps. Over forty years, his persistent efforts transform the landscape, bringing life and prosperity to the area. The narrative highlights the power of individual action in environmental regeneration.
In 'Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less,' Greg McKeown argues that by applying a more selective criteria for what is essential, individuals can regain control of their time and energy. The book is divided into sections such as Explore, Eliminate, and Execute, providing practical advice on distinguishing the vital few from the trivial many and eliminating non-essential activities. McKeown emphasizes the importance of clarity of focus, the ability to say 'no,' and living 'by design, not by default.' This approach helps readers achieve more by doing less and making the highest possible contribution in their personal and professional lives.
Friends,
Jean Giono, author of The Man Who Planted Trees, penned these breathtaking and invitational lines - words that draw us back to the path of Christ’s Kingdom Simplicity and Generous Love:
“Creation seemed to come about in a sort of chain reaction. But the man who planted trees did not worry about it; he was determinedly pursuing his task in all its simplicity... For a human character to reveal truly exceptional qualities, one must have the good fortune to observe its performance over many years. If this performance is devoid of all egoism, if its guiding motive is unparalleled generosity, if it is absolutely certain there is no thought of recompense, and that, in addition, it has left its visible mark upon the earth, then there can be no mistake… This was the most impressive visible mark of his work: as we went back toward the village, I saw water flowing in brooks that had been dry since the memory of man. These dry streams had once, long ago, run with water…”
Friends, take a moment to ask yourself:
What would it be like to receive this invitation?
To become this kind of person?
To return to simplicity?
To see dry stream beds run with water once more?
To give most of our attention and affection to God and to a few things and a few others, in a way that is deeply affecting and outrageously good?
To receive the freedom from our Father to engage only what is essential?
It would change the world.
Join me for a hidden conversation originally shared among a handful of Become Good Soil Intensive alumni. For other thirsty, like-hearted women and men among us, we’d love to welcome you to explore simplicity, essentialism, and generous love—together.
For the Kingdom,
Morgan & Cherie
Become Good Soil 
