I have a problem with books. It’s a good problem, though. What’s my problem? I am currently reading at least 7 books. This is in addition to my daily Bible reading and the expositional study I am doing.
What are the books? Here they are in no particular order:
- Any Way You Can by Annette Bosworth, MD
- On Writing by Stephen King
- The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll
- The Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- Company of One by Paul Jarvis
There are actually more, but these are the ones I have been reading lately. These books cross subjects. Some are personal growth, some are fiction, and some are historical. All of them are fascinating reads.
Why is this a good spot to be in? As a writer, reading is the second most important thing to me after, well, writing. To be a good writer, you have to read a lot. Reading a lot makes for a better writer.
I am also an avid learner; I always have been. I was one of those kids who loved high school for the learning more than anything else. In my free time as a youth, I would spend hours at the library. It was, by far, the best way for me to spend my days.
All my reading keeps me from spending hours mindlessly scrolling on social media or binge-watching shows. I admit that there are times when I will scroll like so many others, or take a couple of hours on a free afternoon and binge-watch a show. But that is the exception, not the rule.
Reading helps me slow down and think about what I am taking in. It’s also extremely relaxing. There is great solace for me in finding a quiet spot, opening a book, and letting the words permeate my mind.
I will confess that while many of my books are physical, a greater number are digital. I have many books on my Kindle and a few in Apple Books. While I need a device to read these, I can disconnect them from the internet and eliminate all notifications and distractions.
This turns the devices into portable libraries. I can carry hundreds of books with me if I choose to. If I had these devices when I was a kid, I can only imagine how much more I would have read.
I am sure I have more books than I can read in a lifetime. Especially the digital ones. While this may sound like a waste, I consider it an asset. My cousin Mark does as well. Also, Robin Sharma, a famed writer and life coach, agrees.
As a Christian, it is my duty to renew my mind continuously. Romans 12:2 tells us:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of my mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. [Rom 12:2 ESV]
For me, it’s about more than knowledge or entertainment. It’s about renewing my mind and testing what I learn to see how, or if, it fits in with what God teaches. Since I am a Christ follower forever, having more books than I can read gives me enough fuel to choose from to develop discernment.
So, while I may never read them all, I will read as many as I can. Learning something from each one. I will re-read the really good ones more than once. And I have a lifetime of information to go through. And that means a lifetime of things to write about.
Are you a reader? What do you enjoy reading most? Do you have more books than you could ever read? I’d love to hear your story.
—Daniel