Small Graces: The Quiet Gifts of Everyday Life

After reading "Simple Truths" I found myself wanting more of Nerburns pure and basic wisdom. When I finished reading "Small Graces," I didn't want it to end. Nerburn demonstrates how to look at seamingly small things or routines in life and draw a moment of inspiration, peace, joy, or understanding from each of them. I'm able to find beauty or joy in things that might have previously seemed mundane or tedious. This comes in handy in so many ways since we all spend so much time in what we would describe as "going through the motions" of necessary stuff to get to the "fun" or "meaningful" things in life. I've always been able to do this to a certain degree-- more than some others that I observe in my life. But "Small Graces" helped me reconnect with that ability and gave me even more ideas on how to tap into it. So now I buy the book for others too. It's my way of spreading joy and introducing this ability to people who have not yet learned how to look for it or see it. The more I read of Nerburn's works, the more joy I have in the backdrop of everything I experience.

SMALL GRACES by writer, sculptor and theologian Kent Nerburn caught me off guard . . . I wasn't expecting much from this short book of 20 essays, but as I got more into it, the more I was impressed with both its beauty and simplicity. It made me think about moments in my life that I thought were ordinary--yet, in reality, are much more than that . . . as Nerburn notes, "We become artists when we see with our hearts instead of our eyes" . . . methinks that this is something that we all need to do, regardless of profession. I find myself reflecting about one section, in particular . . . the author describes a teenager's anguish about having to walk around on crutches for a relatively short period of her life (because of an accident) . . . she naturally finds it upsetting, yet it also helps come to the realization that she'll never again complain when she comes across an older person walking slowly. There were several memorable passages; among them: * She smiles, helps Nick with his knife. In Japan, one who masters the gentle art of making tea can be declared a national treasure. I watch her hold his hand gently in hers. Should one who practices the gentle arts of making a home be revered any less? * "No, your life isn't ruined. Now your life is your life. No one else can fix it or change it. No one else can be blamed. This is yours. And it is up to you what you will make of it." * None of us is promised tomorrow. Today, in all its beauty and sadness and complexity, is all we have. This light we see may be the last such day we have on this earth. There is no certainty, beyond the fact that one day we will have no tomorrow, and that it is not ours to know when that day will be. Powerful stuff! And so, too, is the conclusion: * Sometimes, it seems, we ask too much. Sometimes we forget that the small graces are enough. I'll cherish SMALL GRACES for a long time and will want it to share it with others . . . you'll want to do the same if you give it a shot.

My introduction to Kent Nerburn was "Simple Truths." I loved the book, and still reread chapters. I couldn't believe a guy could write such a book. I have since read "A Haunting Reverence" (I am originally from Minnesota and was interested in his take on the place), "Neither Wolf nor Dog," and "Small Graces." I was hesitant about purchasing Small Graces. Again, as a female and a single parent, I did not think a man could say anything I would find meaningful about ordinary life. He has a wife to make his life easier. But I am such a fan of Nerburn's that I did purchase the book. And he didn't let me down. I found the book touching, insightful, and meaningful even for a female single parent. "Small Graces" and "Simple Truths" are permanently on my nightstand.Nerburn has a sensitivity that comes through in his writing, whether or not he is sensitive as person. I appreciate his eloquence and his choice of subject matter obviously appeals to me. R.S. Audette

I found this book when I was on vacation and looking for a book on grace before meals for myself and to give as a gift. As soon as I got it home and began to read it, I realized that it was the perfect little book to share with my five daughters and my daughterinlaw. It could be a gentle way to encourage the spirituality of daily living and of looking for the sacred in the mundane, especially for those who don't think they have the time to attend to the spiritual dimension of their lives or who are looking for a way to enhance that dimension for their families, but are not involved in a religious community or practice. I hope that with the help of this book they will be inspired to create such an atmosphere for their children.

I love this book. It is so unassuming and poetic. This is the kind of writing and thinking that we need to help us find the core values of everyday life. Mr. Nerburn helps us see the importance of the people and moments we often ignore. I think everyone should read this book and use it to measure the greatness of their own heart.