Soul Mutterings...

Today, I finished another book for my upcoming Denver Seminary class on Spiritual Formation. The following is an imaginary interview I am giving myself regarding Dr. Demarest's book, Satisfy Your Soul. My comments will follow the "GU" for "Gary Underwood," and the imaginary interviewer will be represented by the initials "FG" for "Fake Guy." The following is the transcript of this imaginary conversation.

FG: Gar, it's great to catch you on a Saturday night. Shouldn't you be at the church practicing your sermon or something?

GU: Yeah, that's actually what I'm doing right now, but this is a quick break. Let's get to the discussion...

FG: All righty then. So, you just finished Bruce Demarest's Satisfy Your Soul. The title seems a little selfish. Is it about making yourself happy?

GU: I'll put it like this. If you want to be good at something, you put some effort into it. You have a plan to develop and grow in that area of your life. This book is about how to build a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ.

FG: Nice.

GU: Yeah, that's what the entire class I'm taking is about. Each class requires 2,000 pages of reading, and this is one of the required texts.

FG: 2,000 pages? Are you serious?

GU: Yeah, but I have 6 months to read them. Of course I procrastinate and have enough on my plate, so I am down to 1,100 pages in the next four weeks. This book was a great overview of spiritual growth, prayer, reading, meditation, contemplation, and looking at how godly men and women have cultivated a life with God in the past.

FG: Did you say "meditation"? Are you becoming a Buddhist or something? Will you have to do Yoga?

GU: Nah, none of that. Meditation is just focused thought and reading of Scripture. Letting it soak into your mind and heart. Reading repeatedly and thoughtfully.

FG: Why does a pastor need to take a class on having a relationship with God?

GU: Well, if anyone hopes to be a spiritual leader, he (or she) must take care of his own heart. Feed his own soul. Make sure he takes time to know God, experience God, and serve God.

FG: So, would you recommend that book to someone else?

GU: Overall, I liked the book and found it helpful. Lots of good exercises with each chapter that would help you find spiritual renewal and deepen your walk with God. But the book is long, sometimes laborious, and -

FG: Dude, you just said "laborious."

GU: Sorry. It's the only word I could think of. There were times I was excited to read and learn from this book, and other times where I just had to "press on" and finish the chapter. The best chapters were about Scripture reading, meditation, and contemplation.

FG: Did you learn anything that will help you in your own relationship with God?

GU: I'm sorry, could you ask that question again?

FG: If you'd turn down the Hootie and the Blowfish, you could hear me better.

GU: Good idea. Okay. Ask that question again...

FG: Did you learn anything from the book that might help your relationship with God?

GU: I would take away three pretty good thoughts. First, the book makes me want to read about other men who loved God deeply and journaled or wrote about their prayer life. I am talking about Thomas A Kempis, Augustine, Teresa of Avila, and probably Bernard of Clairvaux. Their writings are inspiring, deep, and memorable.

Second, I know I need to carve out regular blocks of time to get alone with God. Go to a park or something. Do that a couple of times a month. Get away from the distractions, quiet my heart, and really focus on God.

Third, I see the value and need for stronger meditation on Scripture through personal reading and journaling. I know how crucial that is, but this book just emphasized that more powerfully than I've felt in a while. It was a good reminder.

FG: Our time is almost up. What's next on your reading list?

GU: Well, for the class, we're looking at Revolution of Character by Dallas Willard and The Shaping of Things to Come by Frost and Hirsch.

FG: Well, happy reading Wailer.

GU: Wait, while we're talking, can I take a moment to tell people that I made some great salsa today, but sliced my thumb in the process.

FG: Sure, but I don't think we have time to discuss your thoughts about the performance of Team USA in soccer's World Cup today.

GU: You mean about how we're supposed to consider a 1-1 tie with Italy some sort of accomplishment?

FG: No, I mean the part about how silly it is to play for 93 minutes and only score 2 total points.

GU: Actually, I don't feel that way.

FG: Yes you do.

GU: Okay, I guess you're right. But I have friends who like soccer, and I want to respect their passion for the game.

FG: How nice of you.

GU: Thanks.

FG: So, do you make up characters like me - this "fake guy" - as part of your ongoing "only child" syndrome?

GU: Buddy, you know I could easily replace you with a real person. I wouldn't press your luck.

FG: Right. Whatever.

GU: Exactly.