Hey friend-

In Fort Wayne, there’s a great used book store called Hyde Brothers. I seldom visit. But with fake internet friends in town last May, we visited.

I found Eugene Peterson’s book, Practice Resurrection: A conversation on growing up in Christ. I thought, “I’ve tried reading this and it hasn’t worked. I bet it’s because I have the ebook version.” I struggle to read serious books on a Kindle.

I bought it.

I laughed when I got home and discovered that I had two other copies on my shelf. It wasn’t the format that was the problem. It was my lack of choosing to read it. So I decided to read the new copy. I spent time a few mornings reading. I left it on the arm of the sofa where I could pick it up. And finished a week or so ago.

Peterson converses his way through the book of Ephesians. He’s helping us think through how to grow up with Jesus. It’s a process rather than a simple conversion.

I could outline Peterson’s book. I could outline the book of Ephesians. But the point of this note is to say, “I too struggle with reading books, with finishing what’s helpful, with remembering what I’m doing.” Most days, I tend to skim. I’m getting used to spending two minutes on an article or a summary or news of the day (or the minute).

Growing and learning and maturing, however, take time and attentiveness. Concentrating on one book means ignoring, a bit, self-inflicted spam.

And yet the investment may be worthy.

By the way, I still have the two extra copies of Practice Resurrection. If you’d like one of them, email me with your mailing address at jon.swanson@socialmediachaplain.com. First two responses will get one.

Thanks.

Jon