Title: Reclaiming Quiet, Cultivating a Life of Holy AttentionAuthor: Sarah ClarksonPublisher: BakerBooks, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Nov 2024Genre: Christian Living/Spiritual GrowthAvailable In: Paperback, Audiobook, Kindle (Amazon.ca)
"I wanted God to give me quiet and bring me rest, but all the habits of my daily existence were shaping a life of exhaustion, of inward disquiet and outward unease. I don't think I'm alone in this." Sarah ClarksonHave you ever thought longingly of those words in Psalm 23 where the Good Shepherd says he will make our souls to lie down in green pastures and lead us beside still waters? And, have you ever longingly wondered if this is still possible in our news-harried, social-media'd culture where it can feel nigh to impossible to cultivate the quiet that our souls - and bodies - long for?
In response to my own questions, yes, I do sometimes wonder, even now in my own more relaxed retirement pace. The whole world feels wound up like a top; so much feels chaotic, frantic, and out of order. Which is why I was jubilant to read Sarah Clarkson's long awaited book Reclaiming Quiet, Cultivating a Life of Holy Attention. And I wasn't disappointed. She thoughtfully invites her readers to join her in searching for a way that, indeed, makes room for quietness in the midst of the fray. And she has learned not to scorn the tiniest of moments in which the quietness will show up even in a busy, noisy life. Sarah presents her discoveries and wild musings with honesty, and I admire her courage to grapple them into words the world can read. Her gentle writing draws me in so I, along with her, can feel the Divine presence, his benediction, and his tender love in that quiet space. Sarah's use of language is beautiful. Her thoughts are wise. A heart longing for quiet can safely sink into these pages that are filled with hope and peace.
"What is small?
Children are small.
Seeds are small.
Moments are small.
Yet of these the whole world is composed."
Sarah Clarkson
I admit reading Reclaiming Quiet at a fair pace the first time through - I like to know the lay of the land, as it were. But I'm currently rereading it at a snail's pace, giving myself the gift to deep-breathe those lines that fall as liquid gold from the author's pen. In many ways Sarah reminds me of myself in my younger years, not that our lives are similar - she studied in Oxford which would have been a far off dream for me. But her inner life search for truth, beauty, and Jesus resonates deeply with me.
Sarah assures us that in our search for quietness, "Our hobbit life (is) not a denial of disorder and pain or a refusal to engage those things where we could. Rather it (is) a refusal to allow those forces to define our story or that of the world." Oh yes, to that last sentence.
With the Christmas season nearly upon us, Reclaiming Quiet would make a lovely gift for anyone, including yourself, who finds themselves in that restless, distracted place. Find a quiet spot during Advent or after the holidays, sit with your favourite beverage, and anticipate a soul nourishing read.
Sarah Clarkson is undoubtedly my favourite inspirational author. I follow her on social media and also have been inspired by her other books, including Book Girl (on the reading life) and This Beautiful Truth (about her dark struggles with mental illness and depression). Sarah is an accomplished author, wife to her vicar husband, and busy mom of four young children. She and her family live in a large Victorian vicarage in Oxford, UK. Sarah can be found on Facebook, Instagram, X, Patreon, and Substack.
Inspired by the beauty of God's world around her, Brenda loves working with words and shaping them into beautiful thoughts for good. Her sweet spot place for writing is on her blog It's A Beautiful Life, and she also enjoys being a Guest Blogger here. A longtime member of InScribe, she has been a contributor and columnist in FellowScript magazine and has contributed to two InScribe anthologies.
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The fact that you're reading it a second time speaks volumes. That's the hallmark of a really good book--when you want to read it again and take notes, as it were! I am putting this one on my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Brenda, for this lovely book recommendation. You have piqued my curiosity to find out more about Sarah Clarkson.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
Brenda, I absolutely love the tender words of Sarah Clarkson. I follow her as well. The spirit and tone of Sarah's writing are in you as well, Brenda. I hear you about the craziness of the world. As a contemplative guy, I seek places and people able to nurture my soul. Your writing does this. We would be great writing buddies.
ReplyDelete"The spirit and tone of Sarah's writing are in you" ... absolutely agree Alan!! :)
DeleteBrenda, I follow Sarah Clarkson on social media, too, and love her tender heart for Jesus, and her longing for beauty and quiet in an often ugly and noisy world. Thank you for this review/recommendation. I've been debating ordering her book and you may have given me the last nudge to do so.
ReplyDeleteI love Sarah Clarkson's words ... the little poem-quote you shared is exquisite, and a perfect example of her work and her heart. I have the book, and so far have only read the prologue. But it sits at my bedside for waiting for quiet reading before sleep. Thank you for such a thoughtful and inspiring post. And I agree with Alan, "The spirit and tone of Sarah's writing are in you as well."
ReplyDeleteThanks for this inspiring review, Brenda. I've not read the book, but your glimpses into Sarah's writing and life touched me in so many ways, as it did you. A must read!!!
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