I Just Need Time to Think!: Reflective Study as Christian Practice

by Mark D. Eckel

"Everyone needs more time to think. Choosing how to spend our thought-time is crucial. Mark Eckel brings thirty years of Christian reflective study experience to bear on the topic. I Just Need Time to Think! spotlights encouragement on the goal of thoughtful learning for every follower of Christ. 52 brief essays support us   Slow down in a fast-paced culture Replace distractions with peaceful focus Adjust schedules for retreat Discipline our minds Commit to reading Promote the vocation of “student” Sidestep the obstacles of study Continue down the path of learning Establish a place to think Change the character, the core of our being

I Just Need Time to Think! Reflective Study as Christian Practice is a call for Christians everywhere to spend their thought-time well, applying the psalmist’s   “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them” (Psalm 111:2)

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191 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 20, 2013

Reviews

[Barry Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subtitled “Reflective Study as Christian Practice,” this book is a compilation of 50 essays by the author, speaking of the necessity of “retreat and study,” as described in the book’s Preface. These delightful readings are presented under the headings of Study, Retreat, Discipline, Holiday, Reading, Reflection, Obstacles, Walking, Path, and Place, An extraordinarily well-read individual, Eckel’s short essays (many 3-4 pages in length) abound with references from such diverse sources as C.H. Spurgeon, Alexis de Tocqueville, Anton Chekov, Jay Leno, C.S. Lewis, Gertrude Stein, and the Holy Spirit (via the Bible). Indeed, the Endnotes of this remarkable little book contain almost 400 footnotes! I would be hard pressed to pick my favorite essays from this rich compilation, but would certainly include “Cutting Wood on Sunday,” “Sometimes, I Just Sits,” and “Thin Places.” Be sure not to cheat yourself, however, by skipping any of the gems contained in the 172 pages of this treasure.

Ever the scholar (I was assigned this book by Dr. Eckel as part of my doctoral program), the author issues the following challenges in his Conclusion:

We should honor Christ with our learning.
Study should include the need for retreat.
Discipline in education will at times require holiday to make it happen.
Reading demands time for reflection.
Obstacles to study mean that we must keep pressing on to the goal of learning.
The path to learning requires a place to study.

“Taking time to think joined with reflective study,” says Eckel, “should be our normal practice as Christians. ...Christ Himself is the vault of all earthly wisdom apart from whom no study would be accomplished” (p. 136).

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had my review copy of I Just Need Time to Think! on my desk for several weeks, and whenever anyone stops by, the vibrant cover catches the visitor’s eye. It is the title, though, that prompts a comment, every time.
“Oh! I need that book!” “How is that book? Is it useful? I really need time to think!” Clearly Eckel has lighted upon a timely, pertinent topic that resonates with many. The cover of the book depicts young people, perhaps students, pensively examining notes or the horizon. Dr. Mark Eckel is Professor of Leadership, Education and Discipleship at Capital Seminary and Graduate School. Eckel’s reflections in this helpful book are gleaned from his vocation as a teacher, but they are relevant to anyone who feels overworked, overstimulated or, at the very least, out of the habit of taking time to reflect upon one’s life and decisions.
Simply put, Eckel states, “Everyone needs more time to think.” To that end, the author provides fifty-two essays which offer a road map and hope for anyone who feels called to think deeply about what matters most to them. Grounded in scripture and the author’s faith, I Just Need Time to Think! offers those who wish to walk a more genuine path of Christian faith, those who feel as though they are missing the point of a life meaningfully lived, and those who are interested in guarding against being overwhelmed both a map and sage counsel.

The author neatly frames a conversation about reflective study as Christian practice with ten categories for reflection: study, retreat, discipline, holiday, reading, reflection, obstacles, walking, path and place are the signposts for the considered reflections. Eckel never wavers from providing remarkable quotes, citations from Scripture, and anecdotes to guide the reader into more careful reflection about reflection. For Eckel, the fifty two essays are carefully worded, thoughtfully considered pieces which serve as still points in a busy life. Without question, the example of Christ as a storehouse of hidden treasures, or knowledge of God is an apt illustration. Eckel cites scripture in every essay, and couples these references with a wide array of examples and illustrations from everyone from Aesop to Anime and from Chekov to country music lyrics. Such diversity and variety would make this book a useful reference for many.

Additionally, Eckel is a delightful writer, surprising the reader with poignant or humorous stories and carefully turned phrases to inspire those of us who desire to be present and deeply engaged with our lives and our faith. In the final reflection on place, Eckel comments on the importance of how places where we live, work, study, pray, and reflect shape us. He writes: “Place matters. Maps can tell us where we live, but where we live often maps us” (p. 133).

“We believe that what we do tells us who we are” (p. 74). Eckel provides wonderful guidance in what we can do to claim or reclaim what matters most to us as people who desire to live thoughtful, faithful lives. “Take a break,” he writes. Take a minute. Take a breath. Busyness should not be our business. Biblical reflection values the eternal over the temporal” (p. 75). Many thoughtful readers desirous of truly connecting life and faith will find the rationale for making time for reflective study within the pages of this fine book.