I got that question from my 8 year old the other night, when of course, I was . . . reading.  Homework had been done, they were reading and so was I.  Daddy had told them that I should be the one to sign off on their reading assignments because – I read.

I’ve always loved to read. I love escaping into my imagination to another world and experience the life between the pages of a book.  I long ago gave up suspense/mystery novels, my poor overworked adrenals can’t stand the excitement.  So yeah, I like things that inspire me.  Romance is good but it’s better when there’s fun in there.   I’m hoping that may writing can have those moments that maybe make someone laugh out loud, or giggle or smile.  Right now I’m reading a novel and it’s well written and my heart aches for the female protagonist. She’s well written. I feel her pain, and hopefully, by the time I’m done, I’ll feel her joy as well. We all want a ‘happily ever after’ don’t we?

I also read a variety of other books.  I’m currently reading “Shattered Dreams” by Larry Crabb in my never-ending quest to broaden my theology on suffering. I’m also reading “Switch,” by Chip and Dan Heath, it’s about how to change, when change is hard. The applications are for everyone: business, church, personal life. It’s really good.  Well written books that engage the heart and the head.

Of course there is my almost daily time spent reading the Holy Bible. I got a new one recently, a different version, and I’m enjoying how the differences from the way my brain remembers certain verses, get slightly different flavor with the use of a similar but different word. I like that because sometimes it’s easy to gloss over stuff you’ve read many times over – and it forces me to stop and rethink the application of the words of God and how they might be fresh and new in my life today.  This is the book that challenges me to get over my bad self to focus on the Most High God, who is worthy of my praise, adoration, all the glory – and my obedience.  I’m grateful He’s a God of grace who loves me when I fail and is gentle, yet sometimes painful work at molding me more and more into the image of His Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the book that is the primary text for my inquiry into the theology of suffering. It’s also the only one that promises a true ‘happily ever after’ beyond my wildest dreams and beyond the struggles of this life for those who bend their knee to worship and obey Jesus Christ, the ONLY way, truth and life.  Hope is a powerful thing.

So my kids are learning to love reading, because they see that I love it too. I would rather read a book than watch any television or movie. I love to learn, and I want to always be growing, so I read.  How about you? Do you read? What kind of books do you enjoy?  Share – it might end up on my “wish list” for the future!