I usually have a combination of books on my nightstand, both fiction and non-fiction (if I'm lucky and the library has fiction I want). Right now I'm fortunate to have one of each. They are:
Humility: True Greatness, by C.J. Mahaney
I gave a talk to a group of moms when I was in the States recently about what I've been learning in Singapore. It all boils down to one word: dependence. Admitting that we need to depend on others doesn't usually come unless we are humbled (notice I didn't say "humble" but "humbled" meaning it was done TO us). Of course we could choose to humble ourselves before God sees fit to do the humbling, which is part of why I'm reading this book. But I never would have found it if I hadn't given that talk, after which one of the moms there who I greatly respect told me she'd been reading it. Since she is going to give it to all the other moms at an upcoming retreat, she was kind enough to send it to me before I left the States.
I just finished a surprising chapter on Jesus' greatness. It's not surprising that Jesus is great, of course, but it emphasized not only His humility but our lostness, which is essential for seeing ourselves as we really are (which is of course essential to humility). I love this quote, "At the source of all Christian service in the world is the crucified and risen Lord who died to liberate us into such service." At the beginning of humility is acknowledging our Savior's sacrifice for us, and our incredible need for it.
The Crazed, by Ha Jin
On a completely different note, I just picked up a book by an author I hope I like. I haven't read anything by him, though I did buy Waiting at a used book store recently to save for the time in my near future when libraries will be inaccessible. Because I previously lived in China, I love reading anything, fiction or non-fiction, about its history and culture. This book is set just at the beginning of the student demonstrations of 1989, and revolves around a student caring for his professor (and future father-in-law) who has had a stroke. The professor begins to go mad and spout crazy talk. Or is he actually speaking the truth? I guess I'll find out soon.
That's what I have on my nightstand. What about you?
Winding Down
12 years ago
3 comments:
Both books sound really interesting. Hope you enjoy them.
Thanks for joining us this month.
I have Waiting on my TBR list after hearing positive things about it from a friend. I'll have to check out this one, too, if I like it!
You're going to laugh. I have about 15 books, maybe more, that I have started reading and haven't finished yet. I do that.
The two that I am actively reading this week are:
Bringing Out the Best in Your Child and Yourself by Ilene Val-Essen, Ph.D.
&
World Food: Malaysia and Singapore (Lonely Planet).
The topics are two things that occupy much of my time - trying to be a better parent and food. (I'm reading the book on Singaporean food so I can figure out what to order when I go to hawker centers. I'm very intimidated whenever I look at the menus there.)
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