A Million Miles in a Thousand Years

"A book about story? Why would I want to read that?" I thought this at several points before and during Donald Miller's 'A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.' Sorry, but it's true. I wanted to read stories, not what it's like to write them, or to live them. I thought that was what I wanted. And in the last hundred pages, after a couple of days of winding around introspection and amusement, letting Don Miller draw me in as only he can, it clicked. I am living a story. Of course I would want to reflect on story! Miller effortlessly paints a picture with words, invites you into his life and mind, and lets you connect the dots for yourself.

I want to put a quotation in this book review. I really do. But I can't pick just one. I am whimsical about the book. Is that even possible? I think so. I laughed out loud. I genuinely cried (which I rarely do with books, and I do love books). I talked to Jesus frequently and openly about what I was reading, even when it seemed like it wasn't a Christian book at all.

I think what I disliked in parts of the book became what I really appreciated about it in the end. That in the parts where it went nowhere, meandering around seemingly pointless tales and boring sentences, his life's story did as well. It was later on, when his life took a committed, meaningful direction that the book followed suit. I loved it. I really loved everything about it; even the parts that were ugly. I was endeared to him and his story the way we are drawn to pugs. And I was reminded - constantly - that my own story is not so different. I am on this path, where there are days when I don't want to get out of bed, when I don't bother to meet a new person or do anything I will remember five years from now. But that is not the story God is offering me.

God is the ultimate expositor, setting a backdrop for us where the trees stand tall before Him, and the colors buzz with beauty in all the living things, stretched out as far as our eyes can see.
I am floating at the moment, anticipating the wonderful story which God is placing before me, eager to live a life that honors Him. Is this even a book review anymore? I don't know. It's probably more of an announcement: We are living stories, and our stories can be truly great ones!

You can win a copy of the book (the publisher sent me an extra, just for you!) by commenting on the last post, and get another entry by tweeting about it! Whether you win it or not, I hope you'll read this book. Here's an excerpt.