The Shack - What a great read...

I finished this book moments ago.  What an incredible story of pain, grief, relationship, and redemption.  I know that there have been a lot of comments, both good and bad, about this book.  But I think it is definitely worth the read.  I listened to Mark Driscoll's thoughts on the book (I'm not sure where the video is - linked to it from another blog) and I don't think he was quite right in his analysis of the book.  I read somewhere that it seems like he read the book jacket and then made his judgement without really reading the entire thing.  I think that you must read it with a heart of discernment, but give it a chance to change the way we, as humans, have limited God into a little box that we can understand.

WE CAN NEVER UNDERSTAND His power, forgiveness, holiness, love, relationship, good, etc., etc., etc.  This is a life changing book.  It has changed the way I view my relationship with my God, the creator of the universe.  He wants relationship with me.  Unbelievable.  He wants everything from me.  Amazing.  I don't get it. But, somehow, I don't think I am supposed to really "get it."

This book has also changed my view on relationships with others in my life.  Especially regarding the difference between Expectancy and Expectations.  Expectancy is such a great word and idea!  Expectations seem to create a negative vibe because they allow for disappointment, frustration, and ultimately resentment in all relationships.  It was great for me to read this book and see the difference.

I know some of you may have extremely different positions on this book.  A lot of people have seemed to have a problem with the way that God shows himself in this book.  But I think the author, William P. Young, explained very well why he chose the persons he chose to write about in this book.  I don't really care what they look/sound like - the actions of the three "persons" of God seem exactly like I always thought they would be.

I would definitely recommend this book.