September 19, 2008
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The Shack
I finished reading The Shack this morning. I started it yesterday and had read about halfway when we had to head out on some errands. I couldn’t sleep last night (I always get this way in anticipation of big things happening), plus I was eager to get back to the book anyway so I donned my little reading light necklace dealie and curled up in the wingback near the end of the bed to finish. Pausing long enough to spend a few moments with Steve before kissing him goodbye on his way out to work, I remained riveted to The Shack until I finished it at around 8:30am.
I want to put a few initial thoughts down while they are still fresh. The thought occurred to me a few moments ago as I prepared to write that something I might say could be a spoiler to those who haven’t read the book, but the truth is the thought was almost unnecessary as in my mind I quickly slid back over the thoughts wanting to be shared and it dawned that what I would likely write would not be a spoiler at all but rather an eager invitation to the wonder that is this book.
In short, my response is that I wish every adult could read The Shack. I expected to be moved by it, simply in light of the responses I’ve heard from people I know who’ve read it. What I didn’t expect was such a profound impact on my heart, mind, and spirit. I was left wordless but with a million things to say.
I admit that I read the book with some little part of me constantly on the lookout for Scriptural untruth. Uncertain whether it was simply human nature to ferret out untruth or some kind of discernment kicking in to guard my mind and keep it seatbelted securely to Truth, I foraged on. It could be that I am missing something very obscure, but I never found any such untruth.
While right now I simply can’t word exactly how this book has touched my soul, I feel sure that in the days to come, its wisdom will find its way into my journaling in one form or another. That’s really all I can say at the moment.
Comments (5)
I work p/t in a library and have seen this book come and go many times recently… and placing holds on it for people. Admittedly, I know nothing about this book, except when I heard a co-worker describe the book, it sounded “new agey” or something? I don’t know… but if it is a good read, I may give it a go…… WHEN I have time…. as I’m a full-time college student again… haha!!!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend…..
@KAjournal -
As long as one reads it more for its innate value rather than as a direct Gospel text, a lot can be gleaned and appreciated. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, and will look forward to your “take” on it when you finish.
Blue
I’ve been absolutely fascinated at the love/hate this book has generated. I’m adding it to my Amazon list.
My mom read that one and enjoyed it. She gave me her friend’s copy for me to borrow. Though I’m sitll ont done with that Elisabeth Elliot book. What I assumed what would take me days is taking me weeks. But I do find myself begining to write pages and pages of notes and ideas for each page in that book, not giving me a lot of time to read it rather than contemplate it.
loves ya!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so thoroughly. It breaks my heart when people tear it apart because of the “horrible theology” and such. I actually visited a church a few weeks ago and the Pastor shunned the book and strongly suggested no one read it. Paul wrote it as a story for his children never really intending for it to take off like it did. He’s a dear man with a big heart and an amazing understanding of how story can speak to the heart.