Books I’m Reading During Sabbatical

The opportunity to read with total abandon (i.e. I’m not reading for a sermon or class) is so sweet. I’m reading/have read:

• The Song of Significance by Seth Godin (thanks Landon Whitsitt)
• Sustainability Through Soccer: An Unexpected Approach to Saving Our World by Leidy Klotz (thanks Leidy Klotz)
• Awe: The Transformative Power of Everyday Wonder by Dacher Keltner (thank you Sandra Smith)

Each is mind-blowing in its own unique way but they have common themes about life’s purpose and transforming the world. Some of my favorite things to ponder.

As I head into the second month of sabbatical, traveling as lightly as possible, I’m obsessed enough with Awe to carry it in my backpack even though it weighs a solid three pounds. I love this book. The author, Dacher Kelter was a consultant on the Pixar movie Inside Out and he teaches “meaning of life” classes at Berkeley. I strongly recommend this book.

Wonder, the mental state of openness, questioning, curiosity, and embracing mystery, arises out of experiences of awe. In our studies, people who find more everyday awe show evidence of living with wonder. They are more open to new ideas. To what is unknown. To what language can’t describe. To the absurd. To seeking new knowledge. (Chapter 1)

As I sit in the sun and read, I’m noticing new awe-inspiring things. The hummingbirds have returned to our balcony – even though we haven’t put our feeder out this summer – and they seem to hang in the air longer, sometimes right in front of my face. The other birds seem more interesting too. There are five bunnies that live in the woods where I walk our dog every evening and they are beautiful as they freeze in place, hoping Spense doesn’t notice them. (He doesn’t.) The view outside my favorite coffee shop is alive with conversation and a most beautiful diversity of humans that either Harvard or UNC Chapel Hill would be delighted to matriculate.

All these books and thoughts speak to what I’m writing too. (It’s a book.) If you are so inclined, I ask for your prayers as I write this summer. Short blog posts are less intimidating.

Blessings to you as you consider the wonder that awe produces. More later in August.