BOOK REVIEW: Sparks of the Divine - Finding Inspiration in our Everyday World

May 11, 2006

EDITOR'S NOTE: This book review is sponsored by the Religious Education Media Center as a service to those interested in developing their own spirituality. Books featured in this column can be borrowed from the diocesan media center.

You may request this or other books by writing Deacon Larry Sitzman, Religious Education Media Center, 1821 Jackson St., Sioux City, IA 51102, e-mail him at larrys@scdiocese.org or phone (712) 255-7933.

Msgr. Mervin J. Hood, a retired priest of the diocese that lives in Fort Dodge, reviewed Sparks of the Divine - Finding Inspiration in our Everyday World by Drew Leder. It was published by Sorin Books, PO Box 1006, Notre Dame, Ind. 46556-1006.

Sparks of the Divine is not just another self-help book but a little insight into life around us. How we can be inspired by living through our daily routine and just observing our surroundings. Perhaps making our routine a way of living a better life in our awareness of God's presence. Essays, day starters, spiritual insights on a days journey bring greater meaning from ordinary circumstances of life. We can easily miss God's presence in the world around us.

Drew Leder gives us new insights in the way we look at or view objects around us. Leder opens our awareness to the Natural World about us, Object Lessons, Human Being, The Universe, Our Home, such topics being sub-divided have a way of opening ourselves walking in God's company.

We find the divine in ordinary circumstances of life. We realize that God is still our hound of heaven, who keeps coming after us. All we must do is to be open to God's presence, open our sails for God's breeze to come and catch us.

In reading Sparks of the Divine, after the introduction go to the Epilogue and read Tips for Spark Hunters as the author Leder states; Far more important than any of the essays is the example they set of an ongoing practice that of unearthing sacred sparks.

Sparks of the Divine is a little book that you can enjoy on your own journey as you walk your way of life in God's company.