It is, perhaps surprisingly, rare for me to read a book on family habits and discipleship. I’ve certainly read my share of them over the years. But it is, in all honesty, quite easy to feel overwhelmed and lament the gap between desire and experience of family life.

And so, with some degree of nervousness, I began this title. Right from the start, Justin makes you feel quite at home with the baggage you feel as a less-than-ideal parent. He says that he hopes you read this book with many interruptions, with spilt food greasing its pages, and around children who are noisy, joyful or tearful, while you attempt to read a page or two.

That kind of setting of expectations reads far more in the realm of reality than such books often can read.

The book walks though a typical day-in-the-life of a household, beginning with waking up, and concluding with bedtime. Through each step, Justin provides both humorous and relatable examples from his own family life, as well as some thoughtful theological reflection to inspire readers to lean into the story that God invites our families to participate in.

Overall, it’s helpful, highly practical, non-judgemental, and I felt inspired much more often than I felt like a failure.

Who wrote it

Justin is a husband, father of 4 boys, and works as a business lawyer. He previously spent time as a missionary in China.

Why I read it

There is always more to learn in the world of parenting. It’s a difficult task, and I’ve always found it helpful to, at times, take a step back through a book like this, and consider afresh how our family life operates.

What I liked

I really appreciated reading a book on this subject that wasn’t written by someone currently in ministry. It seemed less theologically heavy (though it is still very thoughtfully theological), and somehow a little more ‘real’ simply because, in many ways, Justin is from an ordinary family.

It is a very personable book, almost like a comforting guide to walk alongside you as you figure out the helpful routines for your own family. It’s also a very practical book, with plenty of examples to consider, and perhaps attempt to put into practice. I liked how these again came across in a beautiful mix of gentle and inspiring.

What I didn’t

I listened to this on audiobook, and I perhaps regret that a little. This feels like a useful book to have access to, and to go back over various chapters. I might end up purchasing a hard copy at some point.

Major Takeaway

I think my simple takeaway from this book is that taking small steps, whatever they may be, are far more significant and important than planning grand schemes that never get off the ground. And there were plenty of small steps here to consider and implement in time.

Who should read it

Worth reading for every parent.