Books, Abridged

“Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal,
but I press on to lay hold of that for which Christ has laid hold of me.”
— Philippians 3:12

I joined a book club. Six years ago, a former boss invited me to join a monthly book club. Each member represents a field of industry. We read mostly novels, but we have also read biographies and other nonfiction. We take turns choosing a book. We discuss it. We move on to the next.

I have to confess, sometimes I don’t have time to read the whole book. I’ve been told this is part of book clubs, but I still don’t like it. I want to finish most books, even if I don’t connect with them. One of the books we read, I didn’t have much time to finish. Then I remembered CliffsNotes from my High School days. I wondered if they were still around.

CliffsNotes are study guides for books, often classics, that summarize a text and outline its basic themes. In High School, I learned that reading the CliffsNotes instead would earn me a lower grade than reading the full book. This is true. The richness of the text cannot compare with a summary. It’s like describing an experience to someone, knowing it won’t capture every detail. Abridged versions give an idea, but they always fall short of telling the full story.

When Paul writes to the Philippians, he is aware that his life is unfinished. He knows he still has more to accomplish. He is driven by his mission and his love for others. I know an unfinished life is not the same as an abridged one. They have in common that they are not complete, that there is more to do.

When I pray for you, I pray that God will increase your faith, hope, and love so you can continue your race and reach your goal. Each of us has a vocation, which is the deep-seated mission God has planted in our hearts. I pray for faith so your commitment will remain steadfast. I pray for hope so you may see beyond what is currently slowing you. I pray for love so you know you don’t have to do this alone as you run toward your goal.

May God grant you these things.
May you be encouraged today.
May you continue your race toward what God has placed in your heart with faith, hope, and love.

Photo by Christie House

Rev. Eduardo Bousson
Senior Manager, Collegiate Ministries
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
The United Methodist Church