Joy in the Journey: Finding Abundance in the Shadow of Death

Steve Hayner signed his letters “Joyfully.” That’s the benediction appended to his death in this collection of helpful, humble, and heartfelt blog posts he wrote with his wife, Sharol. The Hayners, Presbyterian ministers, logged entries from the day in April when Steve was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer until Sharol wrote her final entries alone after Steve had died. Each essay begins with a health update, which often includes the nauseating reality of Steve’s chemotherapy, and continue with their ruminations on marriage, holidays, grace, eternity, and church (Steve was president of Columbia Seminary in Georgia). The essays’ telling titles include “Waiting,” “Grace Notes,” and “New Year, Last Chapter.” Sharol often turns to Psalms for succor, and she shepherds readers with her. The Hayners’ book retains the blog’s tone, which is matter-of-fact and differs from diary or memoir. The authors often thank their blog’s followers; a few readers’ responses are blurbed. Eulogies for Steve, written by friends and the Hayners’ children, end this joy-themed book. (July)