Bob Goff has a great deal of stories in this book. But I have a feeling he has many more. I would even put money down to say he can relate all of his stories to Christ and to love. More importantly the love of Christ.
Hunting Grizzlies. You just have to know with that chapter title things are about to get crazy. Of course it is. Goff ends up almost killing his sister but you will have to read the book for that whole story. Growing up Goff’s father taught him about guns and hunting. One thing his father told him was “Son, you need to look through the scope at the things that are far away, but you also need to take your eye away long enough to see what’s close.” Goff applies this to people loving people obviously. Sometimes we get to focused on the future and looking through the scope that we miss the people on the sidewalk next to us. I follow this group called Humans of New York, this group goes around New York (and sometimes other parts of the world) and takes pictures of people. Then he does something amazing. He listens to them. He takes apart of their story and shares it with others. Sometimes the stories are heart crushing. But I continue to read because it reminds me that everyone needs love and understanding. This guy, he gets it. He is giving these people what I believe most people desire, an ear to hear them and a heart of understanding. I don’t want to get caught up looking through the scope and take a look around me.
Corner Store Economics. I took away one thing from this chapter. “Words spoken by kind people have the ability to endure in our lives.” We all know that truth. There is nothing more to say about it expect one. Remember that truth always and apply to our own lives. Be a person who speak kindness. Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”
Jeepology. Goff was in an accident caused by a little old lady. She felt terrible about it and kept calling him to apologizing. He applies this to our relationship with Christ. Do we continue to plead with God to forgive when he already has? Do we continue to feel guilty for the wrongs we have done, when He has already said “I forgive you”? Do we hold on to the past that He has already washed clean? The answer often times is yes. We wouldn’t forgive ourselves so why should God? The answer, God is far outside of our understanding that we can’t begin to comprehend how he forgives us. But He does and we need to accept it. Because when we accept His mercy and grace we can live in that and pass it on to others. Along with forgiveness.
Ten-Year Old Adventures. “I used to think knowing God was like going on a business trip with Him, but now I know He’s inviting me on an adventure instead.” When Goff’s children turned ten they got to go on a trip or adventure with their dad. There was no planning they just went. Whatever that child wanted they got to go. How cool is that? But do you know what is even cooler? Going on an adventure with our Saviour. I am on one right now. My husband and I were called away from Truckee, CA to Coeur d’Alene, ID. When we moved here we had no jobs, no friends, and almost no money. But we went because we weren’t on a business trip. I will tell you it has not been easy. I am a planner. I like to know things will get taken care of. I often take life into my own hands and I don’t just what God has in store. But He has been teaching me things. He has been stretching me. And you know what? I am totally okay with that. I am ready for more adventures with the one who created this earth.
Hearing Aid. Often times we think that God doesn’t talk to us because we can’t hear an audible voice. I know I feel that way sometimes. I do believe, like Goff, that God speaks to us in all sorts of ways. We just sometimes don’t want to hear what He has to say.
The Puppeteer. The Puppeteer was a painting that Goff fell in love with. So he saved his money and eventually bought. When he bought it he was given the original and a copy. They wanted him to hang the copy and keep the original save. But Goff is no phony so he hung up the original. Well eventually the painting got a mark on it because some shot it with a rubber band. Goff still loves the pointing even with the scuff mark. I love his analogy to this story. He says that God created us and wants us to be ourselves but often times we hang up a phony image of ourselves because that is what people are going to like. God created all of us to be master pieces. “The fake us isn’t worthless its just worth less.” Let us all be who God created us to be.
Friends, Welcome Home. Goff and a bunch of friends end up going on a sailing adventure where Goff has to learn how to navigate in less then a day because their navigator cancelled. I still haven’t figured out how he hasn’t ended up dead. Anyways Goff says often times in life we have no idea where we are going but we have two points that we can look to. Christ and a group of people Christ has put in our life. Often times this is what has gotten me through some hard times. I don’t understand what is going on or why this hardship occurs but I do know that God is good all the time and we should rejoice always, Philippians 3:12-13. The other part of that equation is that God has put some amazing people in my life. I have people who kick me in the butt when I need it. People who help me see the big picture. People who are mentors. People who help sharpen my faith. And people who help my heart heal. No matter if I feel lost or alone I know these above truths.
I am learning many things from Goff's stories. There are 7 chapters left and I hope to some up all the things I have learned from Goff and his challenging way of loving the world and Christ.
I am learning many things from Goff's stories. There are 7 chapters left and I hope to some up all the things I have learned from Goff and his challenging way of loving the world and Christ.
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