Books warm the soul. I love the C.S. Lewis quote, ‘Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.’
The art of reading has simply died, and this is sad. I read a blog post yesterday titled, “18 Things Everyone Should Start Making Time For Again” and making time for real books was #6 on the list.
I love what the author says, ‘Actual hard copy books that you can scribble notes in and mark off sections of and smell ink through and hear the sound of turning pages and bending spines while you read.’
I do not want to knock the kindle or the iPad – but doesn’t it feel different to highlight and write things to the side of those tangible pages? Flipping through old books is one of my favorite things to do. It is neat and inspiring to read old notes to yourself or once illuminated thoughts.
Thinking back, I can remember crying through ‘Wuthering Heights’ and seeing my salty tears stain the pages – even to the point of leaving wet wrinkle marks. I cherish that book to this day. My Bible is marked with multicolored highlighters, pages are earmarked and notations abound but I would not have it any other way. This makes life real to me – not just a virtual world.
I think a challenge to me and to you should be to take time to read. Pull out a highlighter and mark that book up. Think on a special phrase or Bible verse. Write in a notepad or to the side of the page what it means to you. You will look back and appreciate the time you carved out to do this.
Be human. Don’t live in a virtual world. Engulf the classics. Sit in a reading chair with a cup of coffee or tea (maybe one that reminds you of your favorite childhood book) and drink in the words. Words impact people and people impact the world. Be a World Changer!
Trading Paper Crowns 