Jesus And The Racing Rat:
How A Man Who Changed The World Can Change The Way You Work by Geoff Shattock (published by Worktalk, 2009).
This engagingly written book is a little gem that will help you think about your work from a completely different perspective. Geoff Shattock describes his purpose in life as finding angles for people to see Jesus of Nazareth in a way they have not seen him before. In this creatively different exploration of the modern “race”, he certainly achieves that, provoking us to think differently about how to tackle the things that make our work challenging.
After a “warm up” introduction, seven “laps of the track” or chapters take us through seven familiar topics that are presented in a completely fresh light. Geoff Shattock lays out practical guidelines for reducing stress, developing hope, living a balanced life, maintaining integrity, being authentic, getting things done and finding spiritual nourishment. Then he rounds it off with a “cool down” on meta-skills and some final “stretching” exercises. But what is really intriguing about this book is the way he weaves together a highly original take on these topics by transporting the reader back in history to witness ways in which the remarkable Nazarene implemented these healthy life practices, even when under enormous emotional and physical stress. By examining the final seven sentences spoken by Jesus on the cross, Geoff Shattock draws out some timeless lessons for how to function in today’s rat race of a workplace.
His insights are drawn from decades of experience. With degrees in physiology and stress psychobiology, a diploma in theology, and forty years as an ordained minister, Geoff has worked with businesses, charities, churches, governments, individuals and small groups to promote healthy working practices and help people manage life’s twists and turns. Whether you’re a student, a young urban professional, a veteran manager, a nurse, a work-at-home parent, priest, athlete, builder, taxi-driver, shop assistant, GP, architect, teacher, business leader, librarian, graphic artist, musician, actor, computer programmer, engineer, researcher or retired person, you will have to deal with all sorts of stresses with each passing lap of life. Here is an opportunity to reflect and get some helpful direction. By exploring the words of Jesus as he mastered his own race to the finish, this book promises to help you manage yours.