So last week I did something I wanted to do for a long time, had never done before, and when I finally did, found it was all about what made me do it in the first place.
That is a very chim (Singlish for complex/deep) opening line for an otherwise very boring and simple post.
I came across a random book that someone on the Rebelution mentioned, decided to take a peek at it on Amazon, read the first chapter (I still don't know if I love that Look inside! function more than I hate it; I get such mixed feelings when I reach the end of the preview) and felt fascinated. As I often do when stalking books online. Like human stalkers, the fascination doesn't usually lead to an actual relationship.
This time, however, I made an impulsive decision--I was going to do something very uncharacteristic and BUY THAT BOOK simply based on the brief review, background of the author, and that Look Inside! first few pages that had caught my fancy.
(Qualification: it was not very expensive. Also, like a true Singaporean, after shamelessly using Amazon's Look Inside! I ungratefully found and bought the book on Book Depository--because it has NO SHIPPING FEES.)
I decided that once a year, which would still be within my budget, I would 'randomly' buy a book that seems like an interesting read-- one of those countless if-only-I-were-a-millionaire-or-Disney's-Belle books you stalk, knowing very well you're not likely to ever actually buy and read, due to the limitations of budget and time (but mostly budget.)
Some of you are probably sniggering because you do this all the time, and all this dramatic hype seems quite hilarious as result. I don't mind that; I'd encourage you to make a generous donation to my library fund, so I can do this more often and be as blessed as you!
What was pretty cool was getting that beautiful brown packet in the mail, with its smooth textured surface and the woodsy fascinating fragrance of book pages and brown paper. I'd ordered books before (actually, many times before) but each time is still a little miracle--more so this time.
What was pretty cool was tearing the flap open and seeing the identical cover of the book slide out, in mint condition like it was freshly showered. Who can describe the thrill of receiving a book in the mail. Or receiving a book at all in any way for that matter.
What was coolest of all, however, was realizing that this whole book was written with whimsy as one of its key words.
Bob Goff captured and elaborated on the same thing which had made me make the impulsive decision to buy his book.
Love Does has not exactly transformed my life, as some of you probably expect me to say after all that fanfare (sorry, Bob Goff!) It has, however, been a delightful read--definitely interesting--engagingly written--and I appreciate his enthusiastic example of someone whose faith actively impacts their life, and who takes great joy and delight in it as such. Besides all this, though, it also opened my eyes to look at life, chances, and especially whims in a different (basically more open) light. Just because something sounds ridiculous at first glance doesn't mean you have to automatically write it off; in fact, that may be all the more reason you should try it. After all, even the ridiculous, fantastic opportunities or coincidences that sometimes drop into our lives are within God's plan, and may be a means for us to grow in loving, knowing Him; especially in doing so through interacting with and serving others. Perhaps it's only to us and our self-imposed human rationality and pragmatism that such things seem ridiculous or fantastic...
I closed the book and thought, Hey there Discipline of Wonder! I wonder what would happen if I took a Bob-Goff mentality towards you?