This morning, I awakened thinking about books. Yesterday I mentioned a couple or three books that figuratively changed a friend's life. Perhaps in reality, those are the most thoughtful books to read. Yet, sometimes reading simply for the enjoyment of hearing another's story has merit within itself.
Several years ago, I read the Mitford Series written by Jan Karon. The story takes place in the fictional town of Mitford, North Carolina. There are fourteen novels that center around the life of Father Tim, the minister of the Episcopal church in town. I found the books a source of encouragement and insight. Intuitively, or perhaps more accurately, through Divine providence, Father Tim interfaced with his congregation or anyone who surfaced in his life with kindness. When you stop to think about it, isn't kindness to others the best testimony that we have to the love of God.
In addition, Father Tim had a dog named Barnabas. He was a much loved dog, but not always well behaved. When the General was gifted a puppy the Christmas following the death of Brittany, a Yorkie that was purchased for our daughter, but became the General's after Andrea went to college. She chose to name the puppy Barnabas because she said I reminded her of Father Tim.
For the record, that was likely subtle manipulation. She knew that Father Tim was the best in my books, so to suggest I was like him was a great ploy for me to be accepting of a puppy. I dedicated a chapter to Barnabas in my book "More Than Enough". If ever there was a love/hate relationship, initially that was the way my relationship with Barnabas started.
I suggested she name the name the puppy Trouble and it wasn't just a tongue-in-cheek suggestion. The General's perception of Barnabas was that he could do no wrong. If he had an accident in the house, of course it was my fault. I should have been paying closer attention.
Books are a great way to broaden a person's perspective. I remember my freshman year in college of being enamored with the Iliad and the Odyssey of Homer. Previously, I was not familiar with Greek tragedy. They were books that resonated with me.
Tragedy – tragedy really had more to do with college algebra and physics. I had both of them my freshman year and neither resonated with me nor changed my life.
A book that I'd recommend for enjoyment was written by Donald Miller. He had previously written Blue like Jazz, and it received a favorable review. I didn't find it that impressive. At any rate, a couple of movie producers were interested in making a movie about the book and about Miller's life. They flew to Portland, Oregon and spent a week with Miller. Consequently, they wanted to script his story very differently from reality. They thought his life was boring.
That was all the incentive that Miller needed to change his life. His book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years is his subsequent true to life journey in changing his life. I highly recommend the book. It gave me pause to make adjustments in my own life.
All My Best!
Don
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