Flunking Sainthood: A Daily Devotional for the
rest of us by Jana Riess
The same author of Flunking Sainthood, who
tried 12 spiritual practices but failed at all them, comes to us with a similar
and yet different book here. This new
book, Flunking Sainthood: a daily devotional for the rest of us is Jana Riess’
quirky wisdom in the midst of Scripture and another author’s wisdom. What really makes this devotional a treat is
Jana’s careful selections from the pen of other authors and her very practical
action points at the end of each day. Although
you will find yourself disagreeing and agreeing with some of the selections in the
book, this book will push you toward a more satisfying relationship with God
and with others.
Jana points to the contentment we seek in
having our house in order, free of cobwebs all the time. After quoting from Elizabeth Andrew, Jana
writes, “Is it possible for you to find God in the process in creating a
welcoming place to live, rather than in some ideal finished product (Yes I read
those home decorating magazines too. Darn you, Pinterest!) (70) We strive to have our ducks in a row and our
pantries lined perfectly, but we miss the point sometimes that it’s the people
who make the home and not the order.
Yet, I will admit that to get the house in order helps us all with our
anxious feelings.
In looking at the Sabbath, Jana quotes from
Andy Crouch who writes, “Busy, restless, Sabbath-less people are idolaters…Without
remembering the sabbath, we cease to remember the Creator God who made the
world and called it good; we cease to remember the one who brought us out of
Egypt; we cease to remember the Eighth Day when God defeated Death” (155-156,
from Playing God). Not attempting to
fill the time means breaking from media, from even spiritual practices if these
cause us unrest, because the Sabbath is designed to refuel our batteries, to
focus our hearts on God’s good gifts and creation.
Overall, I think this devotional is wonderful
in that it challenges us to see the world God made differently, not about rules
or hoops to jump through, but infused with God’s grace. Secondly, this book was unique in that it
came with selections from a broad range of authors from church fathers, modern
evangelicals, progressive thinkers, priests, and Quakers, etc. Everyone will find some wisdom here but also
a refreshing voice.
Thanks to Paraclete Press for the copy of Jana’s
devotional in exchange for an honest review.
Comments
Post a Comment