Jay Marshall is a recorded Friends (Quaker) minister, dean of Earlham School of Religion, and author of several books. In this paperback in "The Art of Spiritual Living" series by Skylight Paths, he lays out the following concerns as creating the foundation for this book.
• "You want a spirituality that cultivates a sense of intimacy with the Divine.
• You are ready for a spirituality that emphasizes blessing rather than fear, love rather than condemnation.
• You are interested in thinking about faith in ways that emphasize the unity we have with all creation.
• You think that every one of us has value in the eyes of God.
• You are searching for an inclusive faith eager to undertake reconciliation in a greatly divided world.
• You refuse to settle for religious practices that do not engage the world's most pressing issues, such as prejudice, hatred, poverty, and inequality."
An appreciative response to the bounties of our graced life is one of thanking and blessing. These are the two aspects of what we call the spiritual practice of gratitude. Marshall presents a rich and rounded examination of other practices which grow out of them in chapters on:
• Expectant Waiting
• Sacramental Living
• Walking Cheerfully
• Answering That of God
• The Ambiance of Love
• Creating a Welcoming Space
• Hope Springs Internal
• Lives That Speak Louder Than Words
• Taste and See
Marshall's Quaker perspective shows through in his commentary on the inner sanctuary, seeing God in others, and experimenting with hope. There are many spiritual practices in the book. Here is one example:
"Practice hospitality over the phone. This begins with good phone etiquette, but does not end there. The tone of voice and the manner in which you receive a call can offer hospitality. I confess to a deep dislike of telemarketing phone calls. Even so, I have determined to be kind and hospitable as I decline their offers. When there is a real person on the other end of that phone, then I am speaking to someone created in the image of God. This is someone of value. This person has a life — perhaps family — with hopes, dreams, and financial needs. For whatever reason, this is the venue by which they earn a living. They deserve a hospitable world just as I do; I can say 'no' respectfully and politely."
