THE DAY IS YOURS
Slow spirituality in a fast-moving world
By Ian Stackhouse. Paternoster. 158 pages
ISBN 978-1-84227-600-6
There is a resurgence of interest in spirituality, especially recapturing what may be learned from the spirituality of previous generations of Christians. This book fits into that mould. The concern expressed in it is an excellent one: how do we live a day well? That is, how do we live each day conscious of God and for God in the business of everyday life. What a great question! Stackhouse takes us to the wisdom of the ‘liturgy of the hours’ from the monastic tradition but also reflects on a variety of strands of biblical teaching, including the Sabbath, prayer, work, sleep and the Lord’s Day.
There is much that is good and insightful here. We are made to reflect on how we might bring God’s perspective to bear in daily life rather than the busy routine running our lives. For example, how God’s perspective changes the mundane in life, especially in the work place. The highlights for me were: the idea of receiving life as a gift and so having a humility rather than presumption towards our days; the idea of living gratefully and deeply rather than ‘successfully’; the challenge to live well in the here and now, rather than constantly looking on to what might be ‘better’ round the corner. And this is all written attractively and with a pastor’s heart.
There were, to my mind, a few misuses of Scripture and an over-reliance on what can be learnt from the monastic view of the rhythm of life. On occasion, despite protests to the contrary, there was a feel of retreating from real life and longing for a past golden age. These are minor issues though. My underlying concern with this book is what isn’t covered. Such as: detailing our responsibilities before God in home, work and church and how these relate to each other; what faithfulness looks like in a busy life with competing demands; and what gospel-shaped priorities mean in real life.
In summary, a stimulating book that will benefit many in living well for God, but one that should be read discerningly.
Graham Beynon,
minister, Avenue Community Church, Leicester
