Books and articles so noteworthy, profound, encouraging, or helpful they are worth re-reading every year:
We hope it's obvious that our yearly RE-reading list focuses on the matters closest to us: God and Family. A worthwhile exercise a mentor once had me do was to draw about six circles of expanding size (each around the smaller one). I wrote my name in the smallest circle, and then placed the most important person, thing, being, possession, etc., in each subsequent circle in order of importance (the least important thing should be in the outermost circle). Tuck that piece of paper in your wallet—or take a picture of it on your phone—and each time you need to make a decision, keep those priorities in mind. And all that said—we constantly FAIL and FALL SHORT every day :)
All that said, there's plenty of other reading out there—check out Dad's Bookshelf, which puts together over 300 of my book reviews and recommendations, including 32 all-time great reads.
What's on your RE-reading list? Comment below!
Wedding vows. No, this isn't the name of a book. I mean dig yours up and put them somewhere safe. We put ours right here (another easy way is to email them to yourself). At a minimum, make it a point once a year to pull them out, sit somewhere quiet and undistracted, and read them. Better yet, read them aloud. Best, take hold of your spouse's hands, look him or her in the eyes, and read them aloud. I've also posted my life poem for Emily here.
The Prodigal God. This is one of the most UNpreachy books I have ever read—a great read for skeptic and follower alike. My confession: as an English major, I am embarrassed to say that I spent my whole life thinking that "prodigal" means someone who leaves and comes back begging for forgiveness. Turns out, not only does it NOT mean that, but it's a pretty apt adjective for the extravagance and recklessness of God's love. You can read more about my thoughts on it here.
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. Wow. Fellow fathers, take notes. This is on my yearly list so hopefully all the advice will sink in by the time my girls hit puberty. My notes on it are here.
"Masters of Love" – The Atlantic Article. This article gives you the scientific skinny. Pay attention to what your spouse thinks is important (how important you find it is irrelevant). Look for things every day that you can tell your spouse you appreciate them for. Kindness is a muscle—the more it is exercised, the stronger it becomes. Be kind, but most importantly be generous with your kindness—especially during a fight, and especially in your assumptions about perceived slights from your partner. Finally, practice "active constructiveness" when your spouse gives you good news—what's that, you ask? Well, read the article.
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