Perspective [per-spek-tiv] ~noun
Definition
1. The state of one’s ideas, the facts known to one, etc., in having a meaningful interrelationship
2. The faculty of seeing all the relevant data in a meaningful relationship
The Noticer: Sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective by Andy Andrews soon to be published by Thomas Nelson is a quick read that packs a powerful punch. I had not heard of or read anything else by Andy Andrews, but it will not be long before I read more of his books.
A quiet ocean town is visited on and off through the years by a man named Jones who seems to know details of the lives of those he comes in contact with, but nobody seems to know much about Jones. Jones however, seems to knows exactly the right words to say to each person that he chooses to give the bigger view of perspective. To the homeless, young kid, the couple about to divorce, to the woman who thinks that her usefulness on this earth is done, and many others that Jones helps out with a strong dose of straight talk, humor, and . . . perspective. Jones teaches them to look outside of their limited view to look at their situations and problems with a bigger picture in mind.
I would highly recommend reading this book. It is a quick easy read that will impact your life. Who in your life has impacted you, and how?
Rest – Living in Sabbath Simplicity by Keri Wyatt Kent is a well thought out, well researched book on Sabbath-keeping. Keri writes just seven chapters, and each is on a different aspect of Sabbath, shaking things up, resting, reconnecting, revising, pausing, playing, and praying. It is a book that will encourage you to evaluate your own personal thoughts and actions regarding Sabbath keeping. Keri teaches by example, honestly sharing her own personal experiences and struggles with her readers. I have not personally practiced Sabbath, or I did not think I was with my traditional view of Sabbath, but I was encouraged to know that several activities that I participate in are ways to practice Sabbath. Keri understands the demands that we put on ourselves, but she makes a great case for incorporating the practice into your life rhythm, freely admitting that at certain seasons during the year the practice has to be adapted to fit within family activities. She give great examples of how you can start to incorporate the practice into your life (take a nap, go for a walk with your family), and you may find that you already have elements of this in your life. Keri does not promote that Sabbath is a legalistic practice, but one that has the ability to refresh your life and your relationships with others and God. This was a “breath of fresh air” book, where I was encouraged and challenged to think broader about what Sabbath really is, a day to spend time with God and others, so that I can be better equipped to handle the coming week.
