Ken Shigematsu

I read the author's other book on habits that helps spiritual growth and was inspired by it. This book is somewhat similar to it, but communicated the habits in a simpler format and presented them ad even more doable and relatable. I have renewed a resolve to spend 5 minutes every day reflecting on things I am thankful for. Keeping a 24-hour sabbath during which you only do things that makes you feel like your authentic self also sounds like something we can try.

There were also chapters on rethinking one's goal and purpose in life. The author writes in a relatable and engaging voice. He illustrated his views with examples of his family, friends and members of his Christian community. His community sounds wonderful; I would love to have the opportunity to visit his church sometimes.… (more)

This is a book about how the author discovered a way to incorporate his priorities into his daily rhythm so that he enjoys God in "everything." The priorities and the routines/rules developed based on these priorities serve as a trellis for us to grow into a healthy, God-centered individual. The priorities the author encouraged readers to ponder on include: rest, prayer, Bible-reading, play, sleep, exercise, family, friendship, social causes, and gospel sharing. He gave examples of how he and the people he knew experienced the importance of these aspects, and how they discover rules/routines on these aspects that work for them. Readers are encouraged to develop their own "rules" after reflecting on the role of these trellis in their unique circumstances.

I pretty much agree with everything in the book, but the chapters on rest and play left the strongest impression on me, since these two aspects were seldom taught on in my faith community. He defined rest as doing things that are not part of your work/job content. (So if you are a scholar, reading scholarly books/articles on your off time is not rest.) And he defined play as doing things for the sake of enjoying the things themselves, not for the benefit that will be reaped from them. (But he also warned against unhealthy addiction to recreational activities. He's a pretty balanced guy and this is a pretty balanced book.)

I also loved the chapter on sharing the gospel in which he said the gospel can be shared in four ways: life (character of the believer), deed (action of the believer), signs (miracles), and words. The four ways are like the four sides of a pyramid, and Christians start with sharing the sides that are most appropriate to the occasion, with the ultimate goal of sharing all four sides.… (more)