For better or worse, we are finding ourselves in the midst of this pandemic with an unprecedented period of time at home. Whether that time has been restful for you or even more busy than usual, we’re all similar in that we’re adapting to a new way of life. In this new season, we are seeing our rhythms shaped and challenged as we want to continue being healthy, social people. Hopefully, you’ve found yourself with at least some spare time between shedding your daily commute and those long meetings that could’ve been an email. With some of your downtime, I’d encourage you to pick up some great books that will be good for the soul. Here’s a few to start with:
- A Meal with Jesus (Tim Chester) – As lonely as this time might be, it serves as a potent reminder for how we were made for authentic, life-giving community. This book will give you a biblical view of hospitality and show its effectiveness to create the type of community many of us are longing for now. Take this time to prepare to intentionally orient your life around others when this mess is finally over!
- How to be Present in an Absent World (Daniel Montgomery) – This book offers brilliant insight into many of the issues that are invading the home, workplace, and “third” place. In his charge to pursue effective presence, Montgomery offers reflections on cultivating aspects of our life and leadership such as “Placefulness” and “Timefulness”. Whether you are a parent, corporate leader, pastor, or anything else, you’ll be served by these daily reflections.
- Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy (Eric Metaxas) – Biographies are an often-overlooked part of our reading diet. I’d encourage you to pick up this thrilling story of a powerful influence for the Kingdom in Nazi-controlled Germany. His courage in the face of danger and significant loss will hopefully awaken a boldness for the gospel in us all.
- The Bruised Reed (Richard Sibbes) – This is my favorite book of all time and one that I read annually. Pick this up. It will be water for your soul in a time of uncertainty, loss, and restlessness.
- To Pixar and Beyond (Lawrence Levy) – You should read more fun things. This is a book I’m reading through now and it’s been fascinating to get a behind-the-scenes look at an incredible story of human imagination and industry. This clever and contagious story is a wonderful escape from some of the more worrisome things in our world today.
