The Ministry of Ordinary Places Waking Up to God's Goodness Around You By Shannan Martin

Sometimes the challenge in life isn't looking for  a way to break out of the mundane but to break in, dig deep, and see the meaning and opportunities that stare at us from within our everyday routines. In The Ministry of Ordinary Places Martin challenges readers to see the world of opportunity staring back at us in our neighbours, our communities, and the realness of the places in which we live. Martin urges reflection on the reality of a life of service that finds it's traction in coffee shared over dishes, watching out for our neighbours, and loving those who cross our path where they are not where we think we need to be. 

I appreciated the gentle firmness with which Martin shares her message, the way she gently points out the availability of people to love, connect, and work alongside when we're willing to listen to God's call and set aside our own expectations and aspirations for society's standards.

Martin brings a warmth to her writing and accessibility to her message that makes her instruction seem reachable. She doesn't just speak community she invites readers into her community letting their journey light up each page with their triumphs and sorrows.

So many of these life growth books preach community over and over again and why not it's an obvious lesson in our tech laden, isolated society. Martin shares the same message but weaves it into her own past showing that sometimes the most natural things can be the hardest, demanding both  the biggest sacrifices, fiercest tears, and best rewards. I love that Martin is simply unable to speak about community without bearing her heart for her own, the authenticity and earnestness shining through her vulnerability.

4.5/5 stars

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