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A review of
I Just Need Time to Think! Reflective Study as Christian Practice
Mark Eckel
Paperback: Westbow Press, 2014
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Reviewed by Jennifer Burns Lewis
I’ve had my review copy of I Just Need Time to Think! on my desk for several weeks, and whenever anyone stops by, the vibrant cover catches the visitor’s eye. It is the title, though, that prompts a comment, every time.
“Oh! I need that book!” “How is that book? Is it useful? I really need time to think!” Clearly Eckel has lighted upon a timely, pertinent topic that resonates with many. The cover of the book depicts young people, perhaps students, pensively examining notes or the horizon. Dr. Mark Eckel is Professor of Leadership, Education and Discipleship at Capital Seminary and Graduate School. Eckel’s reflections in this helpful book are gleaned from his vocation as a teacher, but they are relevant to anyone who feels overworked, overstimulated or, at the very least, out of the habit of taking time to reflect upon one’s life and decisions.
Simply put, Eckel states, “Everyone needs more time to think.” To that end, the author provides fifty-two essays which offer a road map and hope for anyone who feels called to think deeply about what matters most to them. Grounded in scripture and the author’s faith, I Just Need Time to Think! offers those who wish to walk a more genuine path of Christian faith, those who feel as though they are missing the point of a life meaningfully lived, and those who are interested in guarding against being overwhelmed both a map and sage counsel.
The author neatly frames a conversation about reflective study as Christian practice with ten categories for reflection: study, retreat, discipline, holiday, reading, reflection, obstacles, walking, path and place are the signposts for the considered reflections. Eckel never wavers from providing remarkable quotes, citations from Scripture, and anecdotes to guide the reader into more careful reflection about reflection. For Eckel, the fifty two essays are carefully worded, thoughtfully considered pieces which serve as still points in a busy life. Without question, the example of Christ as a storehouse of hidden treasures, or knowledge of God is an apt illustration. Eckel cites scripture in every essay, and couples these references with a wide array of examples and illustrations from everyone from Aesop to Anime and from Chekov to country music lyrics. Such diversity and variety would make this book a useful reference for many.
Additionally, Eckel is a delightful writer, surprising the reader with poignant or humorous stories and carefully turned phrases to inspire those of us who desire to be present and deeply engaged with our lives and our faith. In the final reflection on place, Eckel comments on the importance of how places where we live, work, study, pray, and reflect shape us. He writes: “Place matters. Maps can tell us where we live, but where we live often maps us” (133).
“We believe that what we do tells us who we are” (74). Eckel provides wonderful guidance in what we can do to claim or reclaim what matters most to us as people who desire to live thoughtful, faithful lives. “Take a break,” he writes. Take a minute. Take a breath. Busyness should not be our business. Biblical reflection values the eternal over the temporal” (75). Many thoughtful readers desirous of truly connecting life and faith will find the rationale for making time for reflective study within the pages of Mark Eckel’s fine book.
C. Christopher Smith is the founding editor of The Englewood Review of Books. He is also author of a number of books, including most recently How the Body of Christ Talks: Recovering the Practice of Conversation in the Church (Brazos Press, 2019). Connect with him online at: C-Christopher-Smith.com
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I agree – that title is rich “I just need time to think” – and it reminded me of a an old book that had a potent little title as well – it was called “The Hurried Child”
Anyhow, I look forward to getting a copy of this book (which will have to be later this year as I already have my summer reading mapped out) but I am curious to see how this author used “citations from Scripture” because one of my summer books this week (is actually from Rick Warren’s church) and their use of Scripture is horrible in a few sections – (error) and so I have come to see (again) that not all Christian authors can do this very well.. hmmmm
I like the idea of 52 essays and your review here flowed so well. thanks for this…
~y.p.