Why I Write About Books and Reading
Because Stories Matter
Stories are everywhere, as I like to say. And they’re important because we were hardwired for them and we are living in one. Think about our knowledge of God and His purpose for us. He could have revealed Himself to us in limitless ways. And yet He chose to do it through a story. A book. When Jesus came to earth, He taught in parables – stories that pointed to something bigger. From the beginning of time, God set a story in motion. He created the world with words, and since then, godly men throughout the centuries have written down and preserved the stories of His faithfulness. And we are in the continuation of that overarching story of His goodness and redemption. We are players in the very best story that has a perfect climax which really doesn’t end. That’s why we like stories here. We flock to the movies and devour books that draw us in and give positive messages of hope and happiness. I think it’s because we realize we were made for something bigger and better. Deep down, we want something to hold onto that’s outside of ourselves, and the best stories we have here give us glimpses of that. They remind us of the beauty and joy and perfection we were created for.
Because Learning Matters
We must never stop learning. I’ve mentioned this before, but I’m truly sorry if school taught you to think of reading and learning as chores and necessary evils. Will you believe me when I say that it’s simply not true? I think Mark Twain said it well when he observed, “I never allow schooling to interfere with my education.” Even (or especially) when we’re not in formal school, learning is vital to our flourishing as humans and we must still engage our minds. I passionately believe that reading is one of the best ways to do this, whether the book is a revered classic or an easy beach read. God has given us minds for a reason, and he loves minds that seek to His glory and our good. The ability to read is a gift in itself. A simple Google search will show you that a staggering percentage of the world today cannot read or write. So I urge you to use and hone that gift. Our minds are not meant to sit idle. Read to learn and to enjoy at the same time. If you’ve never thought those two things could go together, I’d love to chat with you about it! I’ve become a student of reasons people use to not read, and most of them only further convince me that many people simply still have an inaccurate perspective on reading or haven’t read the right book yet. I’d love to help you find one that’s right for you!
So, friends, what does reading mean to you? Do you struggle to read? In what ways do you want to improve your reading life? I’d love to hear!
“Great are the works of the LORD; they are studied by all who delight in them.” –Psalm 111:2
“The works of the LORD are great. In design, in size, in number, in excellence, all the works of the Lord are great. Even the little things of God are great. In some point of view or other each one of the productions of his power, or the deeds of his wisdom, will appear to be great to the wise in heart... Those who love their Maker delight in his handiwork, they perceive that there is more in them than appears upon the surface, and therefore they bend their minds to study and understand them.”
–Commentary on Psalm 111:2
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2 comments
Excellent reasons! I'm right there with you. Stories are so powerful and can change people and the world, so I Iove sharing them with anyone who will listen :)
ReplyDeleteSame here!! My favorite kind of conversation is usually about a story of some variety ;)
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