Reading is like breath to me. I can't imagine a life without it. I actually can't remember a time when I couldn't read, even though I know that time existed. Learning to read opened up worlds for me that I will never have the opportunity to visit and explore; it's introduced to me to people that I will never have the opportunity to meet--some of whom I'd rather not meet anyway. Books have always been my constant companion; I knew they would never betray, reject, or forsake me. They helped me through a very lonely childhood.
I don't really understand people who tell me they hate to read or that they've never read an entire book. That actually happens quite often in my profession, and I really tire of hearing "Is there a movie?" every time I assign a novel to read. I feel very sad for those who have never lost themselves in the world of a wonderful novel. It warms my heart when one of those same students tells me how much they enjoyed a novel after they were "forced" to read it. I smile when I hear their sense of accomplishment as they tell me it was the first book they've ever read all the way through. I always pray that it will be the first of many for them and them so.
My mother tells me that I taught myself how to write the letters of the alphabet and that I learned to read quickly. After learning to read, a book was always nearby. I was the kid in school who read between classes and during lunch. I spent many a summer day sitting in the shade of tree reading a book. One summer I read the entire Nancy Drew series, another the entire Zane Grey collection. I'm the one non-readers hate to visit a museum with because I always read the information plates. There's really nothing I more on a cold, rainy day than to curl up with a great book!
Reading has shaped who I am in so many ways. How do people who hate to read spend any quality time in God's word? Reading scripture has helped me through so many desperate situations. I remember when I was studying for my Ph.D. comprehensive exams and the Lord directed me to Psalm 121. Knowing His promise that he would not "suffer my foot to slip" gave me the peace I needed to concentrate on those grueling exams. A few years ago I received yet another promise when I was called back for a follow-up exam after a mammogram. I can still feel my blood run cold just thinking about the call from the hospital. I remember looking up scriptures for healing but soon realized that the Lord had directed me to scriptures dealing with fear. Isaiah 41:13 ("For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.") gave me the peace I needed to face that situation. A couple of years later, when I received that same type of call after another mammogram, reading scripture re-confirmed God's promise as He directed me to Isaiah 43:13 (". . .from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?").
Reading has always been my lifeline and breath. It always will be. In a perfect world, it would be life and breath for everyone.
