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As we navigate this season of transition in our ministry, we've been blessed by resources that have provided wisdom, encouragement, and clarity. Below are three books that have played a significant role in helping us adjust and thrive during this time. We hope these recommendations will bless you as they have blessed us.
1. Forgive: Why Should I and How can I? - Timothy Keller
We entered the year from a place of hurt and this book helped us navigate that and also gave us insight into how we can walk with others here in the home of the original cancel culture.
"There is always a cost to wrongdoing and it must fall on someone. Either the wrongdoer bears it or someone else must. This is true even if the wrong is not something that can be measured financially. The cost may be in reputation or relationship or health or something else. To forgive is to deny oneself revenge (Romans 12:17--21), to absorb the cost, to not exact repayment by inflicting on them the things they did to you in order to "even the score." Therefore forgiveness is always expensive to the forgiver, but the benefits--at the very least within your heart, and at best in the restoration of relationship and a witness to the power of the gospel--outweigh the cost."
2. The Rest of God: Restoring your Soul by restoring Sabbath - Mark Buchanan
This book was a helpful reminder that transitions are opportunities for growth. It encouraged us to embrace the new season with hope and vision. Its message has kept our hearts and minds focused on God’s plan for our future while making every opportunity to be present with him here and now.
"If God works all things together for good for those who love him and are called to his purposes, you can relax. If he doesn't, start worrying. If God can take any mess, any mishap, any wastage, any wreckage, any anything, and choreograph beauty and meaning from it, then you can take a day off. If he can't, get busy. Either God's always at work, watching the city, building the house, or you need to try harder. Either God is good and in control, or it all depends on you."
One thing we've learned about ourselves this year is how much we tend to over-extend ourselves in our relationships. We often say yes to every opportunity and every request because it might be an opportunity to share the gospel. However, this book helped us to see that rather than constantly extending beyond our limits in trying to serve and care for others; setting healthy boundaries can actually help us be more effective and thrive.
"Boundaries define us. They define what is me and what is not me. A boundary shows me where I end and someone else begins, leading me to a sense of ownership. Knowing what I am to own and take responsibility for gives me freedom. Taking responsibility for my life opens up many different options. Boundaries help us keep the good in and the bad out. Setting boundaries inevitably involves taking responsibility for your choices. You are the one who makes them. You are the one who must live with their consequences. And you are the one who may be keeping yourself from making the choices you could be happy with. We must own our own thoughts and clarify distorted thinking."
What are some of your favorites from the year? We'd love to hear them -- especially if you're in a season of transition. Hit reply and let us know.