Hey there. Been a while. Doing a lot of reading and writing lately, just none of the writing on here, really. Had a nice week in Chicago last week for work, and snuck in a Cubs game—actually managed to see them win! A friend/co-worker snapped the picture below.
The fireworks tent that sits in the vacant parking lot around the corner from our neighborhood every year at this time has been erected, which means the peak of summertime is upon us as we approach The Fourth next week.
Also, I’m sad to report that our neighbors who put on a municipal-quality fireworks show every July 3rd have announced this is the final year of their event. I imagine it has to do with their youngest child graduating high school—perhaps they’ll move or something—we haven’t asked. Regardless, we will miss our annual neighborhood fireworks display and are grieved that we will have to find a “real” fireworks event in coming years.
Nonetheless, I am excited for an extra-long weekend next week and enjoying the summertime vibes one last time before I begin my much-too-early longings for fall.
Here are just a few things I’ve engaged lately as recommendations to you.
1. The City of God—A Tim Keller Sermon from 2005
This week while at the gym I finished up Tim Keller’s 2005 sermon series from the book of Hebrews. It was very good. This is the second-to-last sermon in the series and it gave me a new paradigm through which to think about myself as a “resident alien.” Will shape the way I think about life for a long time.
Believing in God can change our lives dramatically. It’s like being a visitor in a foreign land, knowing you’re from somewhere else. This feeling is key to growing spiritually, and trying to get rid of it may lead to problems. It helps us understand that there are two different ‘cities,’ or ways of living, and one is meant to help the other. We also learn how to become part of the better city.
2. The Little Secret I’ve Learned From 30 Years of Watching Debates With Voters
I think the last time I watched a presidential debate was sometime in 2016, but I honestly don’t remember. I do plan to watch at least part of the one tomorrow night. This article was a good read, I think, and insightful about the, frankly, sad state of what matters for most voters.
Given that viewers are conditioned to see the 2024 debates as a mix of television entertainment and a war for America’s future, they will want to see passion, energy and even anger in service to the interests of the country. A self-controlled Mr. Trump or an adult Mr. Biden won’t be remembered, just as Mr. Kerry and Mr. McCain weren’t remembered. So much is at stake that both candidates need to let loose to make a lasting impression but not in a way that may alienate key groups like suburban women and swing voters.
In the end, it’s not the facts, the policies or even the one-upmanship that Mr. Biden and Mr. Trump offer in the debate that matters. It’s how they make voters feel.
3. In This Economy? by Kyla Scanlon
I started following Kyla’s work on TikTok right around when she started at the beginning of the pandemic. As someone who is interested in finance and economics but definitely not formally educated in either, I found her content informational and entertaining. So when she published her book, I had to buy it.
In This Economy? is not for everyone, especially those who have a solid understanding of finance and economics. But if you’re like me—interested and barely educated—I think it’s a great read. Good depth. Honest reflection on how rough things are. The second-to-last chapter on the problems with the economy was personally impactful for me.