Best of 2009

As 2009 winds down to a close, I wanted to note the best of what I read, saw and experienced.

Best Book – The Prodigal God by Tim Keller. I wrote of Keller’s book in January, “We’ve just concluded the first month of 2009 and I may have already read the best book of the year.” I still feel the same after twelve months.

• Honorable Mention – Why We Love the Church by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck. See my thoughts on this great book here.

Best Album – No Line On The Horizon by U2. I must confess, 2009 is ending without that one album I just can’t keep from playing all the time. Nevertheless, U2’s offering is far from nominal. Once again, the foursome from Ireland put out a solid, artistic work.  I saw them in concert this year and was reminded why this is the greatest band to the masses around the world. Hey, not everyone can be Radiohead.

Best Movie – Star Trek by J.J. Abrams. What? How can a Star Wars fan say Star Trek was the best movie in  any year? Simple. It has great acting, action, storyline and direction – something I didn’t find collectively in many movies this year (granted, I didn’t see a lot of them). Plus, I was totally blown away how Hollywood golden boy Abrams (of Alias and Lost fame) added his touch to the series while nodding to the past. Usually when someone tells how good a movie is, it’s just setting me up for failure. Not with Star Trek. I heard it was great. I saw it. It was great! Still, I’d like to see one good Star Trek movie that doesn’t have time travel in it – such a storyline cop-out.

• Honorable Mention – Up by Pixar. Like it or not, Pixar knows “story.” In fact, they’re so good at it that their animated shows can have flying dogs and a house being carried by thousands of little balloons and still leave you incredibly moved by the time you leave the theater. My wife considers Up one of her all-time shows.

Best Trip That Wasn’t Fandango – Tie: Copper Mountain and North Carolina.

• Copper Mountain – My wife and I spent time in Colorado skiing, eating and hanging out with our senior pastor and his wife, who are just as much friends as co-workers. Absolutely wonderful snow!
• North Carolina – Spent time trying to help a church-planting friend (and Fandango buddy) in the Chapel Hill area. Great food, fellowship and scenery. I also reconnected with another old friend as well.

That’s it for now. If I think of any other categories, I’ll continue the list. What are your “bests?”