Blue Like Jazz

Almost an “On Golden Pond” two days which forecasters said would be rainy.  I wish I had a job which I could be right 30-40% of the time.  Interesting read challenging one’s religious thinking.  In Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller, we follow Miller’s personal journey exploring his relationship to God.  Once a non-believer, Miller explores his own openness to believing that God exists and what happens is an on-going struggle with his relationship with Jesus.  I really like the motif that Miller uses to introduce the journey for him with religion… “I never liked jazz music because jazz music doesn’t resolve.”  It wasn’t until after he witnessed a saxophonist playing with eyes closed deep into his music that he began to understand it and now liked it.  “Sometimes you have to watch somebody love something before you can love it yourself.  It is as if they are showing you the way.”  Ahhhh... for Miller it is others deep commitment to his savior that gives him the understanding needed for his journey.  Miller begins the story in his youth describing his parents failed marriage based on his father’s addiction, alcohol.  The lessons that Miller shares from his youth (and listened to) are the type of mundane interactions that happen for youth everyday… but for Miller something happens.  He listens intently and reflects.  How often we as individuals live this life without thinking about the deeper meaning, how do I live a meaningful life?  Miller’s travels takes him to college, Reed College (I have heard about it previously as a “hippie,” “ new wave,” and “experimental place for students”) and Miller re-affirms and provides an interesting perspective of love and freedom exploring the curriculum.  A huge shout-out to NYU when he is introduced to a “hippie cult” of people from NYU!  It is an interesting read from a man who shares the down moments and how to deepen one’s commitment to their God. A good read for non-believers and Christopher Hutchins followers.  Moments in the book resonated with me, others were somewhat redundant.  I can see how someone on the same path as Miller would really enjoy this book.  It’s probably an acquired taste book.