Justin Langer was one of the three Australian Test Cricketers who retired amid much fanfare after the Sydney test against England last year.
He was the least controversial of the trio " the names Warne and McGrath bring to mind many more non-cricketing headlines than does that of the opening batsman who has now become an author and motivational speaker.
Seeing the Sunrise is Justin Langer's third book. In it he shares 30 lessons that he believes have helped him to achieve in sport and in life. Each is conveyed in a simple, easy-to-read style in 30 short chapters. It's one of those books designed to be read in short spells, with each chapter reflected upon by the reader for application to their own life.
The first lesson gives the book its title and relates not only to its key theme, but to Langer's career as well. He believes that in order to succeed, to achieve your goals, fear must be overcome.
At dawn one day during his teenage years, Langer's grandfather helped him to overcome a fear of heights. He taught him not to look down at how far he might fall, but to look up and "see the sunrise' with all the potential and opportunity that it represents. He regards that as one of the defining moments of his life and his fans will understand how important it was for him when they recall some of the fierce fast bowling he faced when he batted for Australia.
Others include times he witnessed team mates' behaviour and reactions to circumstances, so for those who love a bit of "behind the scenes' story telling about the Australian team, Langer provides some tidbits. But most of the lessons come from words of advice from friends, coaches and mentors at various times during the ups and downs of Langer's career.
Justin Langer comes across in these pages as having a high degree of self-awareness. He knows himself well, recognising not only his strengths, but his areas of emotional vulnerability and the impact he has on people around him. Which is why as I read Seeing the Sunrise, the opening words of Calvin's Institutes came to mind. "Without knowledge of self there is no knowledge of God."
This is not a Christian book. It does not venture into the second half of Calvin's profound statement. But it does offer encouragement and advice for those who would seek a true knowledge of themselves, which is foundational for a genuine Christian spirituality. For that reason, many Christians will find much that is helpful in Justin Langer's thoughts and will enjoy looking towards the sunrise with him.
