This month we start shipping Donald Miller’s new book, A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. It hasn’t even started shipping yet, but it is already #2,900 on Amazon. In a minute I will tell you how to get a copy free.
reader and can’t see this video, then click here.
As you probably know, Don is the author of Blue Like Jazz, a personal memoir that spent more than 40 weeks on the New York Times bestsellers list. Unfortunately, that success got him stuck. By his own admission, he went into a funk for months, sleeping in and avoiding us—his publisher.
It wasn’t until he met a couple of screenwriters from Nashville, that his life started to get some forward momentum. They wanted to make a movie based on Blue Like Jazz. However, they informed Don that his life was too boring. They would have to edit it, to make it more compelling.
Along the way, Don learned the elements of story and realized that he could edit his own life in real time, to make it more interesting. He takes what he learned about story and started applying it. Amazingly, it worked. Why? Because our lives really are a story. This is not a metaphor; it is reality.
Whenever I read a book, I know I’m onto something if the following three things happen in my own experience:
- I read the book quickly. No one is making me read it. In this particular case, I read the book in two sittings.
- I am sad when it ends. When I finished A Million Miles, I felt like I a visit with a really good friend had been cut short. The time few by.
- I start thinking of people I want to read the book. In this case, I thought of dozens, starting with my own family members.
After reading the book, I thought it would be fun to interview Don on video. He is so engaging and funny, I wanted you to experience it first-hand. The interview lasted about an hour. However, Gabe Wicks, our VP of Design and Multi-Media, and his team edited it down to about 15 minutes. I am going to post this in three, five-minute segments over three days. Today’s episode is part one of three.
In the meantime, here are two ways to get a free copy of the book:
- Leave a comment on this post below. Tell me why you want this book. Be creative. Then fill out your shipping information in the special form I have set up for this book. Do NOT leave your address in the comment itself. On Thursday, I will select 100 people, based solely on my arbitrary and subjective evaluation of their comments. If you are one of those selected, I will notify you via email. If you don’t hear from me, you can assume you didn’t make the cut.
- Post a book review on your blog. If you are a blogger, you can get a free copy of the actual book. If you are not already signed up as one of our Book Review Bloggers, you need to do that first. Then you can request a copy of the book. We are making 250 copies of the book available to bloggers. These will go quickly. Guaranteed!
By the way, you can find the official book Web site here, along with Don’s tour schedule. Believe it or not, he will be traveling to 62 cities this fall to promote this book. Chances are, he is coming to a city near you!
I will post part two of this interview tomorrow.
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I feel like Donald Miller because I had accomplished all I thought I was ever going to accomplish. I had no ambition because of this. Over the last couple of years God has been speaking a new identity to me and I finally accepted it. So I'm about to start on another story. I was a youth minister but now I am going to start a church so I will be a pastor. I always thought I would be a youth pastor for the rest of my life so it has been challenging to see myself in a new light.
Ok, so A Million Miles is finally here, and you may give me a copy for free?
SUPER!
Here's a little bit of my story and why I think Donald Miller's newest book would be a good companion to my journey. I have heard a lot about this "what now?" question that spurred the thoughts that created the words that eventually turned into A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.
I worked for a few years in South America as a missionary and after a few difficult experiences had to come back to Canada (yep Canada…another reason I should get a book ) and my identity as a 'missionary' didn't fit anymore and I was lost in a lot of ways, even in my relationship with God. I'm slowly finding myself again, and I am excited to hear what Don has to say about it from his perspective. I think we're all on this journey, and I am pleased to be on it with a community that first met to discuss Blue Like Jazz a number of years ago. They would be a great group for me to talk this through with.
I would be honoured to be an ambassador of this book to Canada, and since we didn't get any of the hidden manuscripts, we should at least get the chance of getting a free copy or two…we are a pretty big place (I do have a US post box if that is easier <span class="idc-smiley"><span style="background-position: 0pt 0pt;"><span>:)</span></span></span> !
I don't think I have anything clever to say. Just that when I finally gave in and read Blue like Jazz, like so many coworkers were nagging me to do, it was amazing. I read it so quickly, and gained some real inspiration from the book. much like it sounds Miller was, I'm at a bit of a standstill right now, unsure which way I'm headed, to do what. I do blog, and I tried to get the book as a blogger, but it's already gone. the only other thing I know to say is PLEASE! I know I will read, use, and share this book. plus, I will blog about it. thanks!
As an aspiring writer who is obsessed with the concept of story, I will attempt to win a book about story with a very short story:
Chlorine Superhero
By Josh Coad
Jake – age 5 – wanted to fly…just like Superman. He spoke to his parents of nothing else.
One night, while Jake slept quietly, his father drained the backyard pool and worked through the night on a secret project. The next day, Jake found a miniature city constructed across the bottom of the re-filled pool, covered by a layer of plexiglass and complete with small plastic cars and citizens. He ecstatically received swim-goggles and a new shiny red cape from his father. As he swam over the tiny metropolis, he felt like a superhero soaring over the city he was destined to protect.
On that day, Jake, with a huge smile on his face, thought only of his epic flight.
Looking back on that day thirty years later, Jake, with a huge smile on his face, thought only of his father
In addition to the short story, I would also like to add that, having read and loved all four of Don's books, I am a huge fan.
As for the interview, I found Don's story about choosing writing as a profession to be very compelling. It's encouraging to me because sometimes I am unsure about pursuing writing as a career (I am a writing major in college). It's comforting to know that God can make our paths clear in His timing.
Thanks you so much for an opportunity to win the book!
I lived in Lafayette, Louisiana in 2005. When hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit, I had no desire to help all those in need. I had been going to church my whole life. I felt nothing.
Christianity was my political position and little else. As the recovery soldiered on, God changed me. I heard Don in a podcast interview. Then I bought Jazz.
Much has changed, and Don's memoir was a catalyst. I'd like to see where this story goes from here. Please send me the next ingredient to the gumbo I've been stirring the last four years.
I would like this book because I can relate to Don's journey and perhaps it would give me the kick in the pants I need to finally write about my own journey.
Like Don talked about, I believe God's calling on my life to be a writer has been there for as long as I can remember. I, too, don't like to put myself out there and doubt my own ability to tell a story. Many people have told me that I should be a writer and I actually stumbled across your blog a couple weeks ago when I decided to perhaps go in the direction of what I believe is a God given passion.
I would like a copy of Donald Miller’s book because I love Donald Miller’s voice and when I find authors I like, I want to read everything they write. Also, we send several books to a large group of clients each Christmas, and aside from Hole in the Gospel, and Same Kind of Different as Me, I am at a loss for what to send. If the book is as good as you say it is, this will be a great investment for you.
Thanks for a shot at a free book.
Gail, if I don’t win, can you hook me up?
I make a good effort to keep up with Don’s work. He regularly blows my mind. And my DVD player stopped working.
I want to win a copy of this book because
1: the TN Blogger Review copies are all gone
2: I haven't read a book that I can't put down in a long time
3: I love freebies!!
4: Thomas nelson books ROCK! :-)
Thanks for the chance!!
Here’s some fodder for your arbitrary decision….
I’m Melisa with one L, one S. My last name is May and I never introduce myself using my full name because people think it’s a middle name. Melisa May, they ask? Yes. What’s your last name? May, I respond. They tilt their head, Melisa May May? Oye Vei. Melisa May May makes me sound like a Panda bear (Ling-Ling) or a Chinese buffet. We all have obstacles to overcome, I suppose. At least mine isn’t the female equivalent of A Boy Named Sue.
Seriously though, you asked why I wanted it and what I found compelling about the interview. Here you go:
1. The idea of getting un-sidetracked/un-stuck. I quit my corporate job because it sucked the life out of me, downsized and began living another story. I’m toying with ambition and direction, trying to determine which story I’m in. So many other themes in Million Miles resonates.
2.The idea of our identity being affirmed by others. After watching the video (twice) I started making a list of what identities people have affirmed and this concept rings true. The future will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I’ll need sustenance for the journey.
3.I just started a new blog –liveabetterstory.blogspot.com- and how great would it be to post a review on that?
4.What’s not to want?
Thanks for considering,
Melisa May (May)
I'm a huge fan of marbles, shoes, and the smell of scotch tape. I also dig big hair, my hot wife of 10 years and dudes who are man enough to know they don't look good in their sisters jeans and v-neck shirts. I'm also planting a church in Boston, MA next year.
With all the information above it's easy to see that I need to get my hands on Don's new book.
Word.
I am a business professor at a Christian College in Canada. I love my job because I’m to encourage students as they grow in faith and in knowledge. I’m always looking for ways to connect with students more. Blue Like Jazz is the type of book provided more ways to connect with students. I look forward to reading “A Million Miles in a Thousand Years” for more of the same.
Well, I have been missing Donald Miller. "Blue Like Jazz" was given to me and I loved it! Since I was missing Donald after giving that book to a friend, I bought "Searching for God Knows What." After he spoke at a Grace College, where I am an alumni, I had the cd mailed to me in Florida so I could hear him speak. Well, like I wrote, it has been a while and I miss Donald Miller… I would like this book to spend some time with my pal!
Mary Graham and Luci Swindoll introduced Don Miller to me through their comments about this book on Twitter. They had some sort of pre-copy and shared in glowing term how much they enjoyed the book. I decided I need to get to “know” Don Miller too! Would make that experience extra special to get my first Don Miller book straight from his publisher FOR FREE!
I have read Miller’s books in the past and they have influenced my way of thinking of “church”. From his relationships he has with his friends and the persons he comes across is very unique. I would like a sneak peak with this new book to catch a glimpse on how this one will turn out.
I was a huge fan of Miller's "Blue Like Jazz." He's able to tell of the Christian faith in a very fresh way and this is vital to our culture. Miller is a contemporary spiritual writer that's able to draw in his audience. BLJ was one of the first Christian books I felt like I could pass along to anyone, religious or not, Christian or not, and be 100% assured that they would read the whole thing and not get offended.
I have no doubt Miller will be able to do the same with A Million Miles and I can't wait to have aread.
This interview is great for writers to see because as writers, we always think that the be all and end all is getting published. But as I heard here, it's only another milestone, not the final goal.
"Identity comes from outside ourselves, not within…" What a powerful message!!! Thank you for the interview and your time and effort to get Don's message out. I have been a fan for years and would sincerely appreciate your consideration for the giveaway.
How about Don posting/tweeting a quote from the book weekly that fans can use as email footer/signature.
well. The pressure to write something brilliant could easily immobilize me long enough to completely miss this opportunity…so, here goes.
I resisted reading BLJ for the longest time; I'm subversive that way. But then I read To Own a Dragon, and Searching for God Knows What, and I was hooked on Don's authentic style. I currently own every book he's written, and regularly repurchase them when loaned copies never find their way home to me.
I love how Don described his introvert self (something along the lines that it takes him 10 hours of solitude to produce 20 minutes of quality interaction) and I can SOOOOO identify with that (unfortunately, as wife and mother of two daughters, I clearly don't enjoy enough solitude to produce ANY quality interaction!!!). So the idea of his 60 city tour fascinates me…and I would love to read this book to discover how a man so described could metamorphasize into a man capable of endless days of meet and greet without losing his sanity completely.
I've been waiting patiently for the opportunity to score a manuscript (and his cell phone number, as one of the 40 things I want to do before I turn 40 is to have coffee with Mr. Miller!!!!!) but with a funeral recently behind me, a dear friend dying from cancer, and the start of the school year, I'd love the chance to at least get the book this way instead. Thank you!
Because I read the first 30 pages on his blog already and I need to finish it now. And he is someone that actually interests me these days. He is honest, and real, and says things really well. Who would not want to read that kind of writing? Oh yeah, most of today's young people, but Iam not one of those and would like to read the rest. So please, sir, may I have another helping of Donald Miller?
please see julie chamberlain's comment several hours earlier/app 6 pages ahead. i am her college roommate. i am flattered to have made it into her account of her experiences with don and the hidden copy of "a million miles…" and while we are determined to find one of those books yet, let's be honest…we really want don's number. while devouring every word he's written i've convinced myself we're just meant to be friends. the kind of friend you sit with over coffee and have life giving conversations with maybe many words or maybe very few words. but great understanding. one day i met don. i shyly brought my favorite of his writings, "through painted deserts" over to be signed and words completely failed me. i'm not sure i said anything more than "hi" and "thank you." fail. (i'm a little more convivial these days.) whether don and i will ever get to chat it up over a latte or not, i'll keep reading whether i have to buy the book or not ;) (please please send me a book :)
I want to read this book because I am in the middle of massively editing my own life, and I am in desperate need of a support group and a how to guide. I tried googling "Life Editing Support Group" and "How to Edit Your Life," but no one's written an account that quite addresses these issues until now. Please help!
Love your blog, Michael, and wow, can win a free book by Donald Miller – cool! Hmm, the only reason I would want the book is that it may likely help me in my own life. I live a wonderful and blessed life that seems it can be hum-drum and bit boring like Donald's sounds. I sometimes wonder though: how can I get out of the ruts? Why do I seem so stuck?
If it helps me in any way there or at least answers "Is the Matrix real or just a movie?" or helps with understanding "Do I have free will or is everything really predestined?", then l'll post a review for good or bad on Amazon.
My life is saturated in stories, especially considering that I spend my days working with college students. Last Friday, I took to the student union at Mizzou to ask, What one word describes your life story? Words included: epic, dull, busy, beer, lost and more than 300 other words. I wonder how many of those people realize that, like Miller, their stories matter; that they too, have a story to tell.
It is plain and simple…I would love to read it!! We are hosting him for one of his tour stops (Wilsonville, Or) and I would love to know how more accurately to encourage our body to come!!
Plus we have some things in common
He is from Portland, so am I…He has lost a significant amount of weight, so have I…He loves Anne Lamot, so do I…He has spent time with Tony the Beat Poet…so have I
Oh come on Mr. Hyatt…just send me a book!!!!
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, Donald Miller writes sweet, and so do you.
Lame but creative.
Got the first 30 pages off his blog link. Donald Miller's writing gives me hope to become a writer. As far as the peek is concerned he captured what seems like typical mundane life as you live it and played it back on paper as a wonderful adventure. The style, honest thoughts expressed , and fact that you know exactly (well most of the time, LOL) what he is talking about. Donald Miller explains some of life's greatest aha! moments. I would be honored to get a jump start of editing my own life with a copy of "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years."
I don't travel a million miles in a thousand years but I do travel all over central Russia working with a number of believers and seekers. Nurturing faith in a country that has struggled believing has held many challenges. Don Miller's books have hit that fun chord of reality, honesty and clarity that many search for in Siberia. His other books have opened my eyes to my own struggles and I can't wait to see his perspective on a movie about his own life. My life would only interest my relatives out of a sense of obligation. I am certain he is going to find a kind of holiness that happens out of following God in a 'normal' life that makes the mundane eternal. How I don't know but I am looking forward to finding out.
1st of all ive been inspired by Don's writing ( ever since i was introduced to it when i read Blue Like Jazz in 3 sittings haha and then reread it recently) ,
not that its change who i am, though it has changed my perception, its taught me how to inquire meaning in all of my life experiences.
Even though I havnt been around very long( being almost 17 years old)
to experience all of life that Don has, I know that when i do step out to start those chapters of my life,
i'll take the revelations ive experience while reading his books and continue to search for beauty and purpose in every situtation.
ive already read the preview of the 1st 30 pages
anndd.. haha i would love to read the rest
thanks for the awesome thing you are doing :)
Reasons:
A. My seventeen-year-old daughter will review it and spread it to her friends.
B. She has been waiting for this book to come out and bugging me about it.
C.Have you ever been bugged by a seventeen-year-old girl?
I like interviews with Don Miller. He's always got cool stuff to say.
Anyway, I'd like a copy of the book, for sure. I can't come up with any super creative reasons, other than really wanting to read it.
Lately, in my story I've been fighting a lot to get one of my goals or objects, the hand of particular girl. But there's lots of familial opposition. I don't mind a good story, but sometimes you want it to resolve eventually. I wonder about a story where the conflict doesn't end.
I've enjoyed Don's books. He's one of my favorite authors period, and he's been a good help to me because he is one of the very very few Christian authors I can give to non-Christian friends to read. He's palatable, simple, humble, and drenched with truth. I appreciate that.
Hopefully I can glean more from this next one. And hopefully I'll keep on writing with or without a deal.
Great interview.
What Miller says about identity is true. For many years I ran away from being an artist of sorts because people told me I wasn't. Thank God for sending me people who say what God says about me. One of the things I am is a writer. I may never be published, but I've been able to help people around me in my circle. Thanks, Don. Keep it up.
Dear Mr. Hyatt,
I really appreciate your "blog" ministry. I am privileged to serve as an educational and spiritual leader at an international Christian school in South Korea and I find your leadership postings, book reviews and recommendations, and life lessons to be so helpful, relevant and positive.
Many of my staff here are young Christians that hang on every word of Mr. Miller. His writings have served as a powerful and formative source of Christian growth in their lives.
I have read all that Mr. Miller has written…even before it was popular (albeit that was a small window of time). I want to be be a good steward of the spiritual leadership opportunities that God gives me. I will read Mr. Miller's book because I know that it will enrich my life and because I want to be able to recommend the book to my staff and then journey with them through its reading and reflection.
Thanks for your ministry. I will continue as an avid blog and twitter follower.
Warmly,
R. Roberts
South Korea
Don mentioned a time in his life when he no longer had a story -and I get that. When he said it, something clicked for me. I want to hear more…
Hope springs eternal in the miser's breast;
Man never Is, but always To be blest:
The soul, uneasy and confin'd from home,
Rests and expatiates in a book to come.
-Alexander Pope (mostly)
An Essay on Man, Epistle I, 1733
gotta be honest… i'm going to buy it if i don't get it for free… but a man/cheapskate can dream can't he?
Quite simply, like Don, I have a best friend who is a pastor. We have served local high school students together for years and Blue Like Jazz is one of his favorite books of all time. I am absolutely certain that he will be equally as enthusiastic about "Million Miles" and therefore would like to ask for a freebie that I will give to Pastor Dave. Thanks!
Most of us live unexamined, reactive lives. Donald Miller discovered how to improve his life story in a proactive way and stepped out in courage. I can relate to his struggle on that level. I can relate, also, as a writer who turned away from my calling for seven (long) years.
I can spread the word about this book through my blog.
Janalyn
i drive a Volkswagen Vanagon (I have always had a bus) so I was naturally drawn in by Don's first book "Prayer and the Art of Volkswagen Maintenace". Since i have read all of Don's work and that of his pastor Rick McKinley. It is amazing how these books, written from a passionate search for God have taught me more than my time at Seminary. Reading the books is great, but passing them on and recommending them is the true blessing. And BTW, VW buses break down way more than Don tells about in his first book.
I have never read one of Don Miller's books. I have however heard a great deal about the book "Blue Like Jazz." Unfortunately, being a college student for the past few years, I have been confined to prescribed books as part of my degree program. Thus I have not read many contemporary works.
After hearing this interview, I can relate to Don Miller. I have goals which I made when young which have recently come to fruition. I am at a place in life where I do not know what "is next." I know the story has not ended but I no longer have an "ambition." I would be very interested to hear how Don has worked through that process. My life's movie is not over. I would like to be able to view it along the lines of Don's book and see what God's "next" scene is for me.
I would love to read this book for a couple of reasons:
1.) I love Donald Miller's writing. I have read all of his books.
2.) I'm on staff at a pretty big church and my pastor has banned his books in our church bookstore (for who knows why?) and I kind of want to rebel against the system. :-) I think its dumb that he got banned.
Don Miller is John The Baptist with dimples. Beginning with "Blue Like Jazz", I heard for the first time, the most amazing and authentic proclamations about Jesus, and what it is to live in relationship with him. As a child of The Jesus Movement, I have called myself a follower for more than 30 years, to one degree or another. But I had grown so disheartened by the evollution of mainstream Christianity. I felt no connection to the judgment and war on culture that had become its calling card. This bore no resemblance to the Christ whose uncompromising love and magnificent grace had captured my heart so many years ago. I could not find that Christ in my own church, and had even begun to wonder if I had misunderstood the meaning of the gospel in the first place. And worse yet, I knew that if this was what it meant to be a Christian, I was no longer interested.
It was then that I heard Don Miller calling out like that voice from the wilderness. Writing the things I had believed to be true, about loving everyone, and judging no one. He said it was okay to have questions, because this whole concept of faith is huge, and if you don't have questions, you probably don't understand the scope of it. Page after page, of words that could have come from my own journal, thoughts and ideas that looked like Christ, that sounded like that magnificent lover of us all. Stated plainly, that book brought my faith back to life, and in many ways laid the foundation for a relational aspect of my journey with Christ that had not existed before .
So I have been waiting for this book since I first heard it was in the works.
By no means am I trying to play the "economic" card, but I have been unemployed since January., and it would be a true blessing to get the book as a gift. But even if I am not chosen, I will use some combination of gift cards and discount coupons to buy it. Don's books are rather like a travelogue of his journey of faith. I am so looking forward to reading where he has been since last he wrote.
i'm very excited to be a book blogger now and i got up early monday and there was an email from thomas nelson…i jumped in and got a copy…
Hi, I read and review for your site and dang those 250 copies went way to quickly!!! By the time I had a chance to respond they sadly were g-o-n-e!
“Lindsey Nobles” contactied me and suggested that I contact you in order to receive a copy. I’ve read that this book is a terrific read and I love the books your company/publisher represents, I eat them up, otherwise I would not be a reviewer for your team!!! I have often thought about writing a book with the dread I would receive the same results of Don, IE: “not exciting enough”. Instead I write a column for our local paper about my “adventures”; my reviews are published there as well as on Amazon, B&N, Borders and several other sites that I feel will benefit the author’s sales.
Michael, if by chance I am chosen and “Linda Lyons” is not chosen, please send my copy to her…..for her situation needs her faith full-time and I thankfully have a job at this time, although it is not in my “field” nor is the pay “adequate”, yet I do have a job to go to in the mornings, which I am thankful for and I look at it as another opportunity to learn “a” or “several” lessons God wants me to learn before I “move on” to something else……although I must admit it has been a most humbling experience!
Thank you for this opportunity and of course your time!!!
Blessings,
Darby
I would like to read Don's book, because one of his comments in the first interview segment really spoke to me. Don basically said (my paraphrase) that when he got to the end of his childhood list of goals and dreams, he shut down. He didn't realize what was happening – it was all subconscious. I've been crying out to God for answers, because my husband shut down 4 years ago. He has refused to get a job, sits for hours and surfs the internet, watches TV and plays video games. His health has taken a violent downward spiral – diabetes, 3 heart attacks, heart surgery, and depression. It's been very hard to watch him go from "the life of the party" to withdrawn and silent. I've realized that he's lost his feeling of purpose in life, but until now hadn't realized that it's very likely just like Don. He got to the end of his subconscious 'to do' list, and . . . and has no idea what to do next. Maybe Don's book would give me some insight. Thanks for your consideration.
I want to read 'A Million Miles' but I also want to read 'Blue Like Jazz.' { I don't suppose you could swing that could you? } I won't get the opportunity though, unless you help me out. I am the perfect candidate for this free book because…
1.) I won't be able to buy it if you don't send me a copy.
2.) I'll actually read it!
3.) I will tell others what I think about it on my blog when I am finished, as <a href = " http://bit.ly/4BShL"> you already know.
There is nothing more exciting or thrilling to me than discovering a new author that I love. Go ahead, make my day, its super easy!
PS) Even if you don't we will still be friends. You've already sent me two books so I am being slightly selfish. Thanks a million for Lucado's book & N.D. Wilson's… they have both been fan.tab.u.lous!!!
I want to read 'A Million Miles' but I also want to read 'Blue Like Jazz.' { I don't suppose you could swing that could you? } I won't get the opportunity though, unless you help me out. I am the perfect candidate for this free book because…
1.) I won't be able to buy it if you don't send me a copy.
2.) I'll actually read it!
3.) I will tell others what I think about it on my blog when I am finished, as you already know. { <a href="http://bit.ly/4BShL” target=”_blank”>http://bit.ly/4BShL }
There is nothing more exciting or thrilling to me than discovering a new author that I love. Go ahead, make my day, its super easy!
P.S.) Even if you don't we will still be friends. You've already sent me two books so I am being slightly selfish. Thanks a million for Lucado's book & N.D. Wilson's… they have both been fan.tab.u.lous!!!
P.P.S.) Of course by 'friends' I meant I will still be a fan of your blog and your work… I don't presume to fall into the 'friend category' outlined in your Facebook Strategy… I was definitely using the term friend loosely & quite frankly… in-correctly. :0)
I am hoping to receive Donald Miller's new book because his style and imagination intrique me as a believer and a writer. His vulnerability and wit make me want to read everything he has written, so actually I might have to buy the book. If you give me one, I'll buy another for a friend. I especially like his his comments regarding identity and seeing ourselves as God sees us.
I don't think I heard of Donald Miller until I saw a RT. Not having read Blue Like Jazz, I don't have a reference point to draw from, but this interview leaves me wanting to know the whole story.
One thing I found compelling Don’s statement & your follow up about how the accidental can become intentional, especially when you listen to God and in obedience He will provide the motivation, skills, & resources to make anything possible, ex: Don's cross country bike trip for charity.
Learning more about the parallels in his life & mine such as the weight loss, reconnecting with family, being at the top of your profession and then suddenly being without a compass, or as he said “finding nothing to give your life to” also peaked my interest.
Thanks to Don for doing the interview & thanks to you for opportunity to win the book before I buy it! @TomMartinATL
One other component of the interview which I hope the story dives into is the correlation between change = fear.
I know my own experience with change and fear is exactly what was mentioned. For me losing the job I never thought I'd leaving, finding myself in a nursing home battling a staph infection, but in the midst of these changes, the fear, & fighting for my life I found a Savior and connected with God in a relationship not as part of ritual, losing 200+ pounds, my Father's post retirement alcoholism, running my first 10K, etc. All this and so much more set in the motion by change; change I didn't think I could survive yet change I'm now grateful for that now defines my character.
Just wanted to add my final thought on the interview, hope to see Don in Atlanta this fall. @TomMartinATL
It'll free up a good $15 which I PROMISE to pass along to the Mentoring Project. Plus, my birthday is on Friday.