22 May 2012

Finding God in the Fast Lane (by Joyce Huggett)

I only have a handful of books by Joyce Huggett, a retired missionary who used to live in Cyprus. I don't read them very often, but when I do I find them thought-provoking and usually very encouraging.

It's six years since I first read 'Finding God in the Fast Lane', a book of reflections and thoughts based primarily on Brother Lawrence's classic book 'The Practice of the Presence of God' as well as some of his other writings. I had enjoyed it first time around, and found it quite inspiring, so I thought that - in the absence of any new Christian reading matter - I would try it again.

The premise of the book is that most people are rushing through life, fixing problems, serving other people, working, commuting, socialising, and so on... and find it very difficult to fit 'quiet times' into their schedules. This doesn't really apply to me; with my empty nest, and plenty of time to myself, I'm not one to rush about.

I do usually manage at least half an hour first thing in the morning to be quiet, and reflect and read, and even sometimes to pray. And yet, even so, it's all too easy to get to the end of the day and realise that I've barely thought about God.

Re-reading, in the past few days, I was surprised at how inspiring and thought-provoking I found it. Particularly since I did read Brother Lawrence's classic a few years ago, but didn't find it all that helpful.  However, Joyce Huggett makes some useful and practical suggestions for cultivating awareness of God's presence through the day, seeking a deeper relationship and offering all we are and do as worship to Him. I'm sure it will take a lifetime to reach the kind of level of commitment and awareness that she describes.

It's not a long book, but there's a great deal in it. Definitely recommended to Christians who care about their relationship with God and would like to see it closer and deeper. Long out of print, but inexpensive if you can find it second-hand.

Review copyright Sue's Book Reviews, 22nd May 2012

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