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Small Graces: The Quiet Gifts of Everyday Life
In twenty elegant pieces, writer, sculptor, and theologian Kent Nerburn celebrates the daily rituals that reveal our deeper truths.
A companion piece to Kent Nerburn’s book Simple Truths, Small Graces is a journey into the sacred moments that illuminate our everyday lives. Through the exploration of simple acts, he reminds us to chart a course each day that nourishes the soul, honors the body, and engages the mind.
Small Graces asks us to observe life’s quiet rhythms, the subtle shifts in perception and changes in light, the warm comfort of family voices; to feel the blessing of birdsong, the solitude of a falling leaf, the echo of footfall in snow-covered woods. By inviting us to recognize the hidden power of the ordinary, Small Graces reveals the mystical alchemy of the mundane made profound by the artistry of a well-lived life.
A companion piece to Kent Nerburn’s book Simple Truths, Small Graces is a journey into the sacred moments that illuminate our everyday lives. Through the exploration of simple acts, he reminds us to chart a course each day that nourishes the soul, honors the body, and engages the mind.
Small Graces asks us to observe life’s quiet rhythms, the subtle shifts in perception and changes in light, the warm comfort of family voices; to feel the blessing of birdsong, the solitude of a falling leaf, the echo of footfall in snow-covered woods. By inviting us to recognize the hidden power of the ordinary, Small Graces reveals the mystical alchemy of the mundane made profound by the artistry of a well-lived life.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published March 16, 1998
56 people are currently reading
1020 people want to read
About the author
Kent Nerburn
42 books462 followersI'm a child of the 60's, a son of the north, and a lover of dogs.
Grew up in a crackerbox post-war bungalow outside of Minneapolis with my mother and father, two younger sisters, various dogs and cats, and a neighborhood full of rugrat kids playing outside until called in for the night.
Studied American Studies at the University of Minnesota, Religious Studies and Humanities at Stanford University, received a Ph.D. in Religion and Art in a joint program at Graduate Theological Union and the University of California at Berkeley. Lots of learning, lots of awards. Phi Beta Kappa. Summa cum Laude. Lots of stuff that looks good on paper.
But just as important, an antique restorer's shop in Marburg, Germany; the museums of Florence; a sculpture studio in the back alleys of Pietrasanta, Italy; an Indian reservation in the forests of northern Minnesota; and, perhaps above all, the American road.
Always a watcher, always a wanderer, perhaps too empathetic for my own good, more concerned with the "other" than the "self", always more interested in what people believed than in what they thought. A friend of the ordinary and the life of the streets.
Twenty years as a sculptor -- over-life sized images hand-chiseled from large tree trunks -- efforts to embody emotional and spiritual states in wood. Then, still searching, years helping young people collect memories of the tribal elders on the Red Lake Ojibwe reservation in the Minnesota north. Then writing,
always writing, finding a voice and even a calling, helping Native America tell its story.
A marriage, children, a home on a pine-rimmed lake near the Minnesota-Canadian border.
Book after book, seventeen in all, ever seeking the heartbeat of people's belief. Journeys, consolations, the caring observer, always the teacher, always the learner. Ever mindful of the wise counsel of an Ojibwe elder, "Always teach by stories, because stories lodge deep in the heart."
Through grace and good luck, an important trilogy (Neither Wolf nor Dog, The Wolf at Twilight, and The Girl who Sang to the Buffalo), a film, Minnesota Book Awards, South Dakota book of the year, many "community reads," book sales around the world.
In the end, a reluctant promoter, a quiet worker, a seeker of an authentic American spirituality, more concerned with excellence than quantity. Proud to be referred to as "a guerilla theologian" and honored to be called "the one writer who can respectfully bridge the gap between native and non-Native cultures". But more honored still to hear a twelve-year-old girl at one of my readings whisper to her mom, "He's a really nice man."
At heart, just an ordinary person, grateful to be a father and a husband, more impressed by kindness than by power, doing what I can with the skills that I have to pay my rent for my time on earth. And trying, always trying, to live by Sitting Bull's entreaty: "Come let us put our minds together to see what kind of lives we can create for our children."
And petting every dog that I can.
Grew up in a crackerbox post-war bungalow outside of Minneapolis with my mother and father, two younger sisters, various dogs and cats, and a neighborhood full of rugrat kids playing outside until called in for the night.
Studied American Studies at the University of Minnesota, Religious Studies and Humanities at Stanford University, received a Ph.D. in Religion and Art in a joint program at Graduate Theological Union and the University of California at Berkeley. Lots of learning, lots of awards. Phi Beta Kappa. Summa cum Laude. Lots of stuff that looks good on paper.
But just as important, an antique restorer's shop in Marburg, Germany; the museums of Florence; a sculpture studio in the back alleys of Pietrasanta, Italy; an Indian reservation in the forests of northern Minnesota; and, perhaps above all, the American road.
Always a watcher, always a wanderer, perhaps too empathetic for my own good, more concerned with the "other" than the "self", always more interested in what people believed than in what they thought. A friend of the ordinary and the life of the streets.
Twenty years as a sculptor -- over-life sized images hand-chiseled from large tree trunks -- efforts to embody emotional and spiritual states in wood. Then, still searching, years helping young people collect memories of the tribal elders on the Red Lake Ojibwe reservation in the Minnesota north. Then writing,
always writing, finding a voice and even a calling, helping Native America tell its story.
A marriage, children, a home on a pine-rimmed lake near the Minnesota-Canadian border.
Book after book, seventeen in all, ever seeking the heartbeat of people's belief. Journeys, consolations, the caring observer, always the teacher, always the learner. Ever mindful of the wise counsel of an Ojibwe elder, "Always teach by stories, because stories lodge deep in the heart."
Through grace and good luck, an important trilogy (Neither Wolf nor Dog, The Wolf at Twilight, and The Girl who Sang to the Buffalo), a film, Minnesota Book Awards, South Dakota book of the year, many "community reads," book sales around the world.
In the end, a reluctant promoter, a quiet worker, a seeker of an authentic American spirituality, more concerned with excellence than quantity. Proud to be referred to as "a guerilla theologian" and honored to be called "the one writer who can respectfully bridge the gap between native and non-Native cultures". But more honored still to hear a twelve-year-old girl at one of my readings whisper to her mom, "He's a really nice man."
At heart, just an ordinary person, grateful to be a father and a husband, more impressed by kindness than by power, doing what I can with the skills that I have to pay my rent for my time on earth. And trying, always trying, to live by Sitting Bull's entreaty: "Come let us put our minds together to see what kind of lives we can create for our children."
And petting every dog that I can.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
January 19, 2015
This is a lovely little book of daily reflections and contemplations. The style is engaging and non-preachy, and I enjoyed being able to relax and take it in at a pace I chose. The author writes from a place of humility, and his appreciation for the small things in life is obvious. What a joy to browse these pages.
September 11, 2021
This book is a nice collection of short, reflective essays that mostly speak about the importance of developing perspective. Nothing hugely philosophical, yet still moving in its poetic simplicity.
One of my favourite passages:
*None of us is promised tomorrow. Today, in all its beauty and sadness and complexity, is all we have. This light we see may be the last such day we have on this earth. There is no certainty, beyond the fact that one day we will have no tomorrow, and that it is not ours to know when that day will be.*
As well as:
*Great joys make us love the world. Great sadness makes us understand the world.*
I have read a few reviews here, where people have claimed that they "expected more" from this book. Well, did you expect more from life, too? I don't know, this book is apparently not for everyone, but its message is clear - and important. Live your life.
One of my favourite passages:
*None of us is promised tomorrow. Today, in all its beauty and sadness and complexity, is all we have. This light we see may be the last such day we have on this earth. There is no certainty, beyond the fact that one day we will have no tomorrow, and that it is not ours to know when that day will be.*
As well as:
*Great joys make us love the world. Great sadness makes us understand the world.*
I have read a few reviews here, where people have claimed that they "expected more" from this book. Well, did you expect more from life, too? I don't know, this book is apparently not for everyone, but its message is clear - and important. Live your life.
June 18, 2022
I’ve kept this tiny book by my bed for months, reading just one chapter here and there. I was savoring it, as I didn’t want it to end in one or two sittings as it easily could be. It’s got great perspective, and Kent Nerburn is an absolutely incredible writer. Loved it!
September 14, 2017
Was expecting more...
January 28, 2020
An awesome book. This book stands on top of my list of favourite books. The author seems to have a knack of picking up the right words and phrases and impacting deeply. The little joys matter a lot in our lives and the author conveys the same in such a soulful way. The simple, honest and practical approach of the author makes the book a lifetime companion, which act as a great reminder to us about the beauty that lies in the small , simple daily acts of ours !
January 1, 2008
this book was a gift and a quick read..it had a few moments of brilliance a quote or two that gave me pause...it is always important to slow down and take in the moments of our lives. i get that and we all need reminders but while reading this there was a small part of me that kept thinking this guy is on another planet and if he was my husband i might have to smack him one..a little too much stop and smell the roses. his poor kid constantly getting these philosophy lessons . all i could imagine was being really busy and this guy stopping to contemplate the symbolism in birds...A few moments of yes i need to slow down and take it inbut this one was abit over the top for me.
March 18, 2008
still reading but learning alot about life. This books helps you if you are going through a hard or confusing time cause it makes you step back and reconnect with reality and with your life. I reccomend it to all!
January 31, 2015
Small Graces by Kent Nerburn, is a wonderful little book with a fantastically great message. Exposing us to the everyday miracles in our lives. Gentle reminders to give thanks for our walks through our daily lives whatever it brings.
June 13, 2015
This read is a delicate unravelling of simple graces that we may so easily overlook in our everyday lives. There is a beauty in pausing and taking a breath and experiencing the instances and discoveries in this written work.
October 7, 2015
This was a thought provoking little book. It was a simple series of thoughts on God and real life. I liked reading it. The author shared his life experiences and stories in a gentle way to make you think and relate them to your own life.
December 19, 2015
I appreciated Nerburn's wisdom and his intuneness (is that a word?) with nature. My take-away is this thought from his book: "It is not our task to judge the worthiness of our path; it is our task to walk our path with worthiness."
April 25, 2008
I have been trying to do a better job in finding happiness in small things each day. This book is a great example.
September 19, 2012
Very beautiful and true.
June 2, 2013
Wonderful quick read for a relaxing moment and cup of tea.
September 4, 2013
Small Graces reminds me to enjoy the simple every day life activities. It makes you want to enjoy and love the ordinary.
October 25, 2013
Found this on my bookshelf. A gift from Kelly in 2000, a hard year. Was good then and still today!
January 19, 2017
A lovely book to read in the morning when you get up. I am glad I read it again (was on my shelf for years) and will be giving it as a gift to others. Gentle, peaceful and calming.
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April 28, 2015It's clear he has a sculptor's eye, as he is able to chisel out the simple truths in everyday life that are all too easy to overlook. The older I get the more I appreciate small graces.
May 1, 2016
I live my life through small graces. Kent Nerburn's accounts of small graces was inspiring and uplifting.
February 6, 2017
A nice little book that reminds us to take a moment out of our busy lives to reflect and be thankful. I read a chapter a day in the morning and it was a nice way to start the day.
April 16, 2018
I read this book, on the morning bus to work, one essay at a time, as a kind of meditation or centering for my day. There were some helpful reminders as well as some new things for me to think about. My favorite quote was in reference to the importance of creating and nurturing a loving home where the author wrote this about his wife who emphasized the importance of sharing meals daily as a family:
"Louise sets the plates on the table. The rest of us come and take our places. Food is passed from hand to hand. The affairs of the day are discussed; grievances are aired. We laugh, argue, share stories of the day. We eat happily, filled with the elemental joy that comes with taking nourishment. It is a small moment, but it is ours.
She smiles, helps Nick with his knife. In Japan, one who masters the gentle art of making tea can be declared a national treasure. I watch her hold his hand gently in hers. Should one who practices the gentle arts of making a home be revered any less?"
I think about all the people who take care of the daily things- food, dishes, laundry, appointments, etc, for the most part quietly, in the background and how those things of daily life form the foundation for going out into the world. I'm thankful that I've had people to do that for me and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to be the one who did/does those things for people I love most.
In the introduction, the author describes the book as "a celebration of the ordinary, a reminder that when all else is stripped away, a life lived with love is enough."
"Louise sets the plates on the table. The rest of us come and take our places. Food is passed from hand to hand. The affairs of the day are discussed; grievances are aired. We laugh, argue, share stories of the day. We eat happily, filled with the elemental joy that comes with taking nourishment. It is a small moment, but it is ours.
She smiles, helps Nick with his knife. In Japan, one who masters the gentle art of making tea can be declared a national treasure. I watch her hold his hand gently in hers. Should one who practices the gentle arts of making a home be revered any less?"
I think about all the people who take care of the daily things- food, dishes, laundry, appointments, etc, for the most part quietly, in the background and how those things of daily life form the foundation for going out into the world. I'm thankful that I've had people to do that for me and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to be the one who did/does those things for people I love most.
In the introduction, the author describes the book as "a celebration of the ordinary, a reminder that when all else is stripped away, a life lived with love is enough."
June 30, 2022
I found this small book in a BnB in Corvallis, Oregon, that I stayed in with my youngest while visiting a couple of prospective colleges with him. I think that is how this book is best experienced for me. I found it a thoughtful, relaxing read, but not so profound I would pick it up again. The host's mother differed, saying in a beautiful note she left in the front that she went back to it again and again, and now (when the note was written almost 20 years ago) wanting to share and discuss it with her daughter.
The author uses anecdotes and stories from his life to illustrate the value of being mindful and thankful as you go through your life, contemplating the smallest things and accepting things as they are and being grateful for them. It is as deep as you want or need it to be, and for me, it landed on top of a portion of "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" I had picked up in a Barnes and Noble earlier while recovering from walking all over campus with my son.
I found neither to be especially profound, but also could see where they could be a good reminder to someone that needed it. Each speaks in a different language, and while neither spoke to me, clearly this copy of "Small Graces" impacted at least one (and hopefully two) lives.
The author uses anecdotes and stories from his life to illustrate the value of being mindful and thankful as you go through your life, contemplating the smallest things and accepting things as they are and being grateful for them. It is as deep as you want or need it to be, and for me, it landed on top of a portion of "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" I had picked up in a Barnes and Noble earlier while recovering from walking all over campus with my son.
I found neither to be especially profound, but also could see where they could be a good reminder to someone that needed it. Each speaks in a different language, and while neither spoke to me, clearly this copy of "Small Graces" impacted at least one (and hopefully two) lives.
April 19, 2019
ehh.
Maybe I’m just in a weird reading mood, but I didn’t really get anything from this book.
I think theres something beautiful to be said about the small moments in life, I really do, but I also think the beauty in them is getting to see them for yourself. I feel like this was trying to be a guidebook on how to see the world. I also kept thinking “there’s no way this man actually feels these things as often as he does.”
There were some things that I resonated with. The section about family and how it’s weird and beautiful and cool that you choose a spouse or partner, and the family is chosen for you. I agree, it was cool. The rest was just kinda ehh for me.
I think the thought was there and the meaning was nice, but I just don’t really see the point in this being a book….
https://pointextaken.com/2019/04/20/s...
Aubrey Joy
Maybe I’m just in a weird reading mood, but I didn’t really get anything from this book.
I think theres something beautiful to be said about the small moments in life, I really do, but I also think the beauty in them is getting to see them for yourself. I feel like this was trying to be a guidebook on how to see the world. I also kept thinking “there’s no way this man actually feels these things as often as he does.”
There were some things that I resonated with. The section about family and how it’s weird and beautiful and cool that you choose a spouse or partner, and the family is chosen for you. I agree, it was cool. The rest was just kinda ehh for me.
I think the thought was there and the meaning was nice, but I just don’t really see the point in this being a book….
https://pointextaken.com/2019/04/20/s...
Aubrey Joy
April 24, 2022
This was lovely. I think it came at a time in my life where it resonated greatly. I was a bit worried the religious aspects of the book would turn me off but they were subtle and I can appreciate how the author’s faith helped him take a step back and look at existence with a genuine curiosity. There are simple lessons and learnings shared here. And sometimes that is enough.
April 24, 2022
This was lovely. I think it came at a time in my life where it resonated greatly. I was a bit worried I wouldn't relate to the religious aspects of the book but they were subtle and I can appreciate how the author’s faith helped him take a step back and look at existence with a genuine curiosity. There are simple lessons and learnings shared here. Sometimes, that's all you need.
July 11, 2024
This wonderful book is always by my bedside. At times, I choose a random chapter to remind myself to slow down and savor life itself. My breathing slows, and I end up reading the chapter with a smile. It is such a lovely book; what a gift I give to myself each read. I highly recommend this remarkable book.
December 31, 2022
A concise walk through a series of small moments and the memories they trigger. Nerburn illustrates how mindfulness can lead to peace and acceptance in your daily life. I found the anecdotes to be relatable and inspiring even though we differ in our religious views.
May 20, 2023
Beautiful work of art. A simple, but profound, reminder that it truly is the small things in life that make life worth living.
The length of the book itself, short but sweet, bespeaks this point. A must read.
The length of the book itself, short but sweet, bespeaks this point. A must read.
February 7, 2017
There are a few good points in this book but overall I felt as though it was long winded rather than uplifting or providing ways to appreciate everyday life.
November 16, 2017
Spirit is everywhere. This book tells us of ways Spirit manifests if we open our senses and heart.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews