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Meditations for the journey

David Giesbrecht

Getting Home Before Dark: Stories of Wisdom for All Ages Peter J. Dyck. Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press, 2000. 280 pp. $22.29.

The frontispiece of this book provides an uncommonly creative introduction. Shrouded by mist, a traveller with his meagre earthly goods tucked in a knapsack, is waiting beside a set of train tracks in hopes of finding passage for his journey. Similarly, author Peter Dyck, veteran MCC worker, invites his fellow travellers to an enlightening spiritual journey where the only costs of the passage are a receptive heart and an open mind.

The wisdom and energy that have characterized Peter’s life-long ministry flow through the 53 brief meditations in the book. Typically, the theme of each entry is introduced by a Scripture verse, and then developed by drawing on some personal experience, biblical exposition or research.

To illustrate, in entry No. 3, “Redeeming the Time”, readers are informed that “during a life span of 70 years, the average American spends 17 years sleeping, 28 working, nine relaxing, five eating, five traveling, three being sick, two dressing and one year on religion.” Such an awareness, the author concludes, ought to compel us to “carry into each moment, the greatness and solemnity of the purpose of life.” Entry No. 6 focuses on a family theme in which six ailments plaguing contemporary North American families are identified, only to be matched by six sources of family strength: interdependence, respect, submission, love, agreement on finances and a sense of permanence. Taken together, these six affirmations are offered as a prescription for familial wholeness. In a subsequent entry, “A Message for Young and Old,” Dyck skilfully exegetes Ecclesiastes 12:1, thereby putting his readers in touch with a wisdom that is ageless.

This fine collection of meditations offers enduring nurture at a time when much that glitters is not gold. The book is highly recommended to all travellers, young and old, who admit to their own spiritual hunger.

David Giesbrecht is a member of Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C.

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Last modified December 3, 2001.

© 2001 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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