7

I just finished reading 7 An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker. My sister recommended the book a few months back and courtesy of the library, I finally got around to it this weekend. The book follows Hatmaker's 7 month social experiment of ridding her life of excess. She chose 7 categories to target--food, clothes, possessions, media, waste, spending, stress--and created specific ground rules for each 30-day segment. It's a thought provoking read and I think holds an important message in our society of excess. I didn't come away from the book wanting to engage in the same social experiment that Hatmaker involved herself in and I didn't come away riddled with guilt; however, I did come away pondering how I can be a better steward of this world and this body that God has created.

One particular paragraph stood out to me. It really isn't the crux of the book, but it was an important reminder and encouragement for me right now. I thought I'd share it as it might be a particular encouragement to you as well.

Our stories affect one another whether we know it or not. Sometimes obedience isn't for us at all, but for another. We don't know how God holds the kingdom in balance or why He moves a chess piece at a crucial time; we might never see the results of His sovereignty. But we can trust Him when He says press on, cling to hope, stay the course. He is always at work, even if the entire thread is hidden. I might just be one shade of one color of one strand, but I'm a part of an elaborate tapestry that goes beyond my perception.