Tryhards

"The sincere are not yet simple. They have a kind of artificial rigour that makes us feel uncomfortable, though we cannot fault the virtue. They put us on edge and make us feel ill at ease... In reality, however, it is due to the fact that these deeply committed folk are trying too hard. They lack the ease, freedom, and naturalness that mark true interior simplicity... Actually this reality is not something we can bring about by gritting our teeth and fortifying our will... Joy, not grit, is the hallmark of holy obedience. We need to be lighthearted in what we do to avoid taking ourselves too seriously. It is a cheerful revolt against self and pride. Our work is jubilant, carefree, merry." - Richard Foster, Freedom of Simplicity