A good dose of fun goes a long way on a cold January day!  If you are new here, I’ve picked out books according to a silly wedding rhyme. Why? Because I find that sometimes what is silly and playful can lead me to discover something that I treasure. 

This time, each of these books reminded me that I am my best when I am in community with others—with my family, neighbors, others carrying grief, and the community of everyone who seeks a life in friendship with God. 

Books open up a conversation with each other and with me. These books at times comforted me, made me laugh, provoked curiosity, and one made me both grateful and nostalgic for my childhood West Tennessee Christmases at my grandparents’ home.

So here we go…

Something Old…

This is not a new book. It was published first in 1985 and revised in 2003. It might be hard to track down, but I’m so glad I found it!  I spent my childhood Christmases in West Tennessee not terribly far from Tickle’s home in Lucy. This little book gave me the rare opportunity to step back into my childhood memories and revisit the sights and sounds of the holidays I spent in Newbern. This set of Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany reflections are stories about life on her farm. She helps us see our lives intersect each of these liturgical seasons. She shows us what is sacred in our midst. 

The last chapter is my favorite. Tickle shares her own practice of transitioning from the freedom and fullness of Christmas back into school and work, gently showing the wisdom of pausing in silence and reflection before rushing on to the next thing. It’s a pertinent conversation for this time of January, as we transition off the holiday high and into the long days of winter. 

Something New…

I went to Abilene, Texas and visited the independent bookstore Seven and One Books (it is delightful!). I bought The Vanderbeekers of 141^st Street while I was there, because of the enthusiastic references to it from my friend in Nebraska! 

What a gem! This children’s book explores what it means to be a community, what it means to be someone’s neighbor, what makes a family, and how to forgive. The characters quickly became my friends. The climatic moment of this book reminds us how we are human, how music heals,  and why we need each other. I was reminded of the 12^th century mystic Hildegard of Bingen as I read this book. She believed that music is a gift from God, and, in one of her more famous plays, everyone has singing parts except Satan. He’s unable to participate in music and can only speak. I finished the Vanderbeekers with tears in my eyes, looking forward to the rest of their adventures in this 7 book series!

Something Borrowed…

Smith is a nationally known grief counselor, speaker, and writer. His books ring with gentleness and compassion. In this book, he shares stories about how famous people we know are also shaped by their grief. Through these stories, he encourages all of us not to rush past grief, but to find a way to keep those we lost present with us in meaningful ways. It was helpful to have someone give me permission not to rush past the loss of Tracy, but to let grief kindle tenderness for life.

Something Blue…

In this gorgeous book, we travel with Balzer on pilgrimage to Iona, the holy island in Scotland. As she travels the island, she describes how a place can also act as our Spiritual Director. The island guides us to see God’s presence in our life with new eyes, inviting us into sacred spaces and stories. Balzer gives us thoughtful questions for journaling at the end of each chapter. I didn’t just read this book, I feasted on it. It’s a book I will enjoy again and again. I am also actively planning my own pilgrimage to Iona in the future — this book made me excited for it!