The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and it’s a perfect time to get outside and enjoy creation. This is also a great season to let your enjoyment draw your heart closer to the One who invented the sunshine, the growth, and everything else you see. Here are three books I’ve read and enjoyed recently that can help you focus your mind and heart on God this summer:
A Bit of Earth: A Year in the Garden with God
Andrea G. Burke
I’ve never read a book quite like this one. Andrea shares a series of short stories from a year in her garden, with each one pointing to a larger truth. The chapters are short, the writing is excellent, and I found I couldn’t read too much at a time because I needed space to think more about what she said. You don’t have to be a gardener to enjoy this one, but fair warning: you might want to become one by the time you finish.
Considering Sparrows: What Birds Teach Us About Who We Are, Where We’re Going, and the Joy of Following Jesus
Kevin Burrell
This book is basically a more specific version of what I was trying to do in the second half of The Language of Rivers and Stars. Kevin shows us a variety of fascinating birds and draws out how God teaches us through them in helpful, encouraging, sometimes surprising ways. If you enjoyed the bird chapter in Rivers and Stars, here’s a whole book to take you deeper into the living wonders that fill our skies.
Amazed: 30 Days of Growing in Awe of God
Carolyn Lacey
This one is a more traditional devotional format. Each of the 30 short chapters focuses on a different aspect of God’s character, reminding us of just how amazing our God is. It’s always a good season to meditate more on the greatness and goodness of God!
Are there books that you’ve found helpful in re-focusing your heart on the Lord? I’d love to hear your recommendations in the comments!
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