Except for the People You Meet and the Books You Read

I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (Psalm 119:16)

“You will be the same person in five years as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read.” Charles "Tremendous" Jones

     During this time of preparation for the new year, I would be remiss if I neglected to write about

reading. Consider for a moment Charles "Tremendous" Jones' claim. In a way he's saying the same

thing twice, because reading the books you read is a means by which you can associate with people

across all time and around the world. To read books is to sit at the feet of your heroes

     Of course, that means the most important book that you can read is the Bible. Some people

make it their goal to read through the Bible in a year. Others choose to read a chapter or a page per

day. Some suggest that you read until something speaks to you or impresses you.  One of my

pastors likes to read with a specific goal in mind. He keeps color pencils on hand, and when he reads

a verse that deals with that subject, he gently colors it.  It might take more than a year, but imagine

having a Bible in which every verse in which you saw God's love was marked, or every prayer or

promise. I suggest limiting your search to 3 or fewer, just to maintain some semblance of sanity.

Looking for something gives extra motivation to read and a sense of excitement in having found.

      The key is to find a reading plan that works for you. I find that whenever a reading plan is too ambitious, not ambitious enough, or begins to feel like a "thou shalt" instead of an "I get to," is doomed. So, let me suggest something a little more modest. Whatever your Bible-reading habits have been, increase it a little. Make it a little more demanding. Remember, you're sitting at the feet of the Teacher.
      Whatever else you read, read more often. Set aside time to read each week, or every day. Whatever type of books you read, aim to read something a little more challenging or a little different.. Develop the habit of having a book available to read. Keep it with you. Keep multiple books - one at work, one next to your bed, one in the bathroom one in your car or purse.
      When I was traveling to visit friends and relatives, I was concerned about falling asleep while driving. One of the things that helped me stay awake was audio books that I borrowed from the library. At first, I disciplined myself to get one classic that I should have read in high school but didn't, one self help book, and then one fun book. The types of books I listen to have changed, but if I am alone in the car, it's likely that I am listening to a book. It's another way to read. You can turn car into a class room with some of the world's greatest thinkers as your teachers.   
        I also suggest keeping a notebook in which you list the bibliographic information for the book ( Title, author, publisher, copyright date and library call number so you can find it again) plus any notes or quotes you might find and a quick statement of your response to it. You might also include your review as a post on social media. It's certainly a step up from the usual. I have already begun to include book reports in this blog. I hope to improve on that practice.