LMU B.A.Religious Studies – EN110: Language & Style – Essay #7 – Fall 1976

Notes and essays from my first college English course, much here is cringe-worthy. At the same time, I find it interesting where my mind would wander to when I was given deadlines. After getting positive responses from my professor, this was my first experience writing for an audience (of one). Enjoy (2023-11-16)

Simply Simple

by Joe Bustillos

EN110 B – Essay #7
December 1, 1976

Thesis Statement; Simplicity is a welcome sight after the storm of complexity has past.

lighthouse during sunset — Photo by Ray Bilcliff on Pexels.com

After the turbulent demands of papers and essays had subsided and the chaotic festivities of the Thanksgiving ritual had come to a close, a calming pause echoed in my every breath. As I stepped out into the radiant warmth of the morning sun my senses were touched by the placid environment which lay before me. I was walking out toward Sacred Heart Chapel with my mind bent on repentant thoughts. And as I thought of my own imperfections and shortcomings the beauty and simplicity of the one with whom I was soon to seek reconciliation became ever-present.

The calming sense of this uncluttered mid-morning took me to another morning in my not-so-distant past. It was a morning last year, when I was visiting a friend here at Loyola. The scenery was very much the same… long morning shadows and crisp green lawns topped with glass-like beads of dew. But as I thought about that experience last year a child-like smile spread over my face. The reason for that morning was so dear to me because I had spent a majority of my time doing something I loved to do: I read the Word.

Having none of the responsibilities that I now shoulder, I had poured over those “love letters” from my Father. Satisfaction and the awe of love were the rewards of my devotion. In reliving this experience I realized how long it had been since I had felt that deep love.

The simple actions of reading the Bible and rendering praise to God had brought such deep fulfillment that, as I climbed the steps outside the church, I vowed to recommit my time to those simple devotions. I neared the large wooden door to the confessional and as I knocked I heard a voice from with in say, to my satisfaction, “Come in.”