About fifteen years ago my editor invited me to attend the CBA (Christian Book Association) conference. It’s the most exciting place a book lover can be. I walked among the publishing companies’ booths, with so many of my favorite authors signing books. One of the publishers stopped me and said, “You have so much joy on your face.” It was easy – books, authors and five days away from “life” all contributed. (Dinner with my editor at the Ritz Carlton didn’t hurt either!)
Joy was an easy emotion during those days. Yet it doesn’t take all that to bring me joy. It takes the familiar box printed with a smile, the feel of a new book in my hands, the transportation to a place I’ve never been or the words of an author who inspires me. It’s a quiet joy that fills my heart.
Image by Booth Kates from Pixabay
We always have our favorite authors, but when my niece (and namesake) posted “Twenty for 2020 Reading Challenge” from The Literary Life Podcast, I was reminded just how “safe” my reading often is. I’m going to join her, and I’m excited to begin my twenty, to revisit some old friends, to find new, to struggle through some, and to lose myself in others. I want to highlight, underline, journal, and contemplate. I want to consider, discuss and argue.
Books -- This year I want to revisit some old friends, to find new, to struggle through some, and to lose myself in others. I want to highlight, underline, journal, and contemplate. I want to consider, discuss and argue. I want to read! Click To TweetI want to smell the musty, dig for the perfect, and delight in each treasure found. I know my book-loving friends will understand this excitement mixed with quiet joy. You see, in each book that takes me away from the familiar, I open up the possibilities of learning life lessons, noticing age-old themes that cement what I already know, and curate new thoughts, always holding the truth up to the veracity of God’s Word. I can’t wait to begin…
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