Musing on Sunday Afternoon Resources

"Down time" is what Sundays were for the most part when I was a kid.

Not so much the case these days! Sundays typically turn into a whirlwind for me. It doesn't have to be this way, at least not every week.

I know this--when I find time to stop, read, listen, reflect for even an hour or so, my life just works better.

Here are a few suggestions on some materials that could be useful in centering the soul or agitating the mind during times of pause.

Need a break from standard broadcast media? Check out http://www.provokeradio.com/. The webcast can be accessed anytime via this website. Provoke Radio features guests and stories that bring faith to life and the circumstances of life to faith. Interesting to stop and listen without interruption.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of German theologian and pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Here's what promises to be a consistent, reflective way to honor the birthday of this amazing and courageous leader--pick up a copy of The Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a collection of 365 readings drawn from his works. Jim Wallis writes the Forward.

Want to learn something about mysticism and spirituality? For a most readable survey from St. Paul to Thomas Merton, check out Love Burning in the Soul by James Harpur.

[Note: Books may be ordered from the Amazon.com thumbnail to the right and CDM benefits!)

Looking for just one journal dealing with faith, poverty and the issues of justice? A great way to spend an hour in the quiet is with Sojourners Magazine (www.sojo.net). Jim Wallis edits the informative and challenging magazine. Be prepared to travel the world as you read!

Here's a major and more than worthwhile Sunday afternoon reading project: Taylor Branch recently completed his 24-year project of chronicling the years of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States using the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr. as the central figure and feature. The latest and final volume of the 3-part study is At Canaan's Edge: America in the King Years 1965-68. The two previous installments were Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-1963 and Pillar of Fire: America in the King Years 1963-1965.

I am determined to slow down and soak in the quiet with a little help from thoughtful friends.