Some would say that in order to have harmony and balance in one’s life, one must learn to be free from obsessions, addictions, etc. (was that the Buddha?). Personally, I like my obsessions, providing I can keep them relatively in check. On the other hand, if I can accomplish that, perhaps they aren’t really obsessions. In any case, such distinctions don’t really matter to me because I’m more of a pragmatist than philosopher. My overall life priorities are faith, family, and work. Whatever time and energy are left after that are available for consumption by my obsessions. Ranked in order of priority those are: reading, golf, and writing (like this blog). If you’re wondering where I’m going with this, it’s a roundabout explanation for why I sometimes have extended periods when I don’t write.
In the past two months, the priority of my obsessions has been confirmed as I’ve mostly had time to read (something I can do early morning and after dark) and play a little golf. You may wonder how one can “play a little golf” considering the amount of time it takes to complete a round (4 1/2 – 5 hours). As I’ve written in the past, I mostly play at Gleneagles, a nine-hole course that’s about five minutes from my home. Because I’m usually in my office (at home) by 6 am and like to take a break around midday, I sometimes use my break to run up and play nine holes before returning to work in the afternoon. I know it’s a charmed life, but someone has to live it!
In confirmation of my primary obsession, I’ve read the following books over the past few months: The Damned United (about my club – Leeds United; also saw the film); The Corporal was a Pitcher (given to me by a friend); Nurtureshock – New Thinking about Children; The Black Ice by Michael Connelly (as with all authors I enjoy, I intend to make my way through all 23 of his books); Where Men Win Glory – The Odyssey of Pat Tillman by Jon Krakauer; The Water Giver by Joan Ryan (formerly of the S.F. Examiner & Chronicle); and most recently, When the Game was Ours by Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, with Jackie McMullan (the book was nicely summarized in a recent HBO documentary). If you know something of my life, you may have noted the absence of the Bible or any books on spirituality. That’s intentional. In my role as part-time pastoral staff and leader in our church, I consider that type of reading/study to be a form of spiritual discipline – albeit, one that I enjoy immensely. It’s simply that I like to make the distinction between reading that’s essential and that which is a diversion. Interestingly enough, my high-level consumption of popular culture (mostly through books and movies) helps me to more effectively present spiritual concepts and issues to a wider audience.
Enough for now. I may circle back and share a few thoughts and insights on some of the books above. As always, thanks for stopping by.
