Neighbors,
I have this thought that Jayber Crow is like a redeemed Captain Ahab.
If you haven’t read Wendell Berry’s novel, Jayber Crow, man, I can’t recommend it enough.
Here’s a quick summary. Jayber is a barber in a small community in Kentucky. Part of his journey is growing content with the lot that he ended up with. Please read this most wonderful of novels. The picture I am painting isn’t anything nearly as beautiful as the real deal. Wendell Berry is a true craftsman.
Jayber does have to come to terms with where he is and the path that led him there. And he eventually thanks God for all of it. He enjoys his life, simple though it is.
Captain Ahab, however. Yes, good old Ahab. You’ve read Moby Dick, right?
Or if not, at least you know that Ahab is a lunatic whaling ship captain on a crazed revenge mission against a giant white whale, right?
Ahab is trying to hunt down fate itself. He is trying to wrestle destiny to his favor. Jayber takes a sober assessment of life and tries to do the best work he can wherever he is. The former leads to disintegration. The latter leads to joy, peace, patience, and good work, faith, hope, and love.
These are my two favorite novels.
Enjoy!
Prost!,
Shannon
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