Samuel Wells
Eerdmans, 112 pages
Samuel Wells is well known for his preaching and works of practical theology. Not as many people know of his pastoral ministry, guiding the congregation he serves to be fully present with the most vulnerable of their parish that includes the wealthy and the powerful.
In this small book, Wells brings his wise counsel to those seeking to live fully alive with wonder and purpose. Wells encourages us to pay attention to our place in the universe, for that is when one discovers humility. The language here is direct. “Be a person of wonder,” he writes. “Every day, discover more about God’s goodness, truth, and beauty — in Scripture, in history, in the world, in the universe … and call that praise.”
What is especially welcome is the appeal to all people, though he clearly grounds his reflections in Christianity. Wells writes with a winsome spirit that is compelling. Who would not want to discover the kind of full life that he commends? One comes away from this little book with a much larger vision. Even his reflections on death become the window into the sublime pleasures of gratitude. There are questions at the end that make this a book to be shared with a small group of friends.
