A Resilient Life

Ted Pilling | June 2013 - Highfields Book of the Month

By Gordon MacDonald - (2004) Nashville: Thomas Nelson

Gordon MacDonald is well known as an author for his book “Ordering Your Private World”.  He writes auto-biographically, and like many North American authors uses many stories to illustrate his main message.  In “A Resilient Life” his athletics coach, Marvin Goldgerg, features throughout the book.  It is understandable as MacDonald’s premise is that life is not a sprint, it is a distance run, and it demands the kind of conditioning that enables people to go the distance. 

Behind all the story-telling the author brings out valuable lessons in preparing to finish well in the Christian life.  His chapter on the differing questions that each generation asks I found particularly helpful, and his application to church worship was very thought provoking.  Which questions are you asking?  

What kind of man or woman am I becoming? 
How do I prioritise the demands being made on my life?
My friendships seem to be changing, who are the people with whom I know I walk through life? 
Why am I often disappointed in myself and others? 
Why are limitations beginning to outnumber options?
Why is time moving so fast? 
Who are these young people who want to replace me?
When do I stop doing the things that have always defined me? 
Why do I feel ignored and forgotten? 
How much of my life can I still control?

He raises practical issues: preparing for the emergencies of life, growing our minds, harnessing emotions, trimming egos and opening hearts to the presence of God.  His later chapters focus on ‘running in the company of the “happy few”’. He suggests avoiding the peril of the solitary life, and seeking company who will continue to challenge and stimulate Christian growth, who will ‘share your tears’, and who will ‘seek God with you’.

This is a good read for those who wish to be committed to finishing well.