A really good article, a kids' book recommendation, and more.
Abby's Reading: 36
Labor Day Surprise: Why Love’s Labour is Never Lost by Luke Burgis (Substack article)
I found this reflection beautiful and convicting.
I wept last night just thinking about how if I had been scrolling my phone or lost in my head, unaware, I may not have even noticed my new friend standing there in the aisle of the drywall anchors section of Menards.
How many times have I been guilty of those sins of omission? How many times have I failed to let this type of grace break into my life and break open my heart? How many times have I been scared to let go of whatever firmly held plan I had for that evening?
The Deep Places: A Memoir of Illness and Discovery by Ross Douthat (book)
I picked this up because it was on Current’s Top 100 Booklist and I’ve long enjoyed Ross Douthat’s writing and podcasting. Though it won’t be a favorite read of the year, I found it an informative, tragic account of Lyme Disease and a moving story of the ways chronic illness shaped Douthat. Also, I listened to this on audio, which I really enjoyed; I don’t know if I would have finished it in print.
The Connected Family by Emily Thomas (newsletter)
The Murrishes are in a new era with one child in all-day school, another in preschool, and a baby at home. A mighty big change from very-part-time-preschool-then-mostly-with-mom. And as our oldest child keeps getting older (funny how that happens), we’ve been pushed to reconsider the role we want technology to play in our household. This shift in our lifestyle and parenting slightly older children has pushed me and Mike to re-examine family rhythms and consider how to cultivate a family culture that reflects our values. Emily Thomas’ newsletter has offered encouragement and so much good food for thought.
Here’s a favorite post:
Seek-and-Find Books.
These have been such a fun way to connect with my kids while I’m feeding their baby brother and they’re sitting on the couch with me. We’ve loved “If You Go Down to the Woods Today” and selections from the Wimmelbooks series. I think these would be a great Big Sibling gift if you know someone welcoming a new baby into the family.
That’s it for now.
Thank you for sharing that piece from Luke Burgis!