A Full Man – Abide in the Vine
It’s a pleasure not to be put off, former procrastinators. Of course, it’s good for every season. But biking to the library was an important part of summer for me. Inside it was musty and quiet. Not a sound unless someone stepped carefully up the creaky stairs to the second floor. The library was mysterious and wonderful. I’d gently shove my selections up onto the high wooden desk. Mrs. Ford would smile kindly and ask about my mother; but checking out books was somber business. I’d peddle home, treasures in my bicycle basket. Then… sit in the shade, my back to a pine tree and a newly checked-out book propped on my knees. A delightful summer pleasure.
A busy schedule makes us feel guilty if we sit to read. But that pause refreshes and invigorates. Moments to relax and to learn are both worthwhile. It’s counterproductive to push ourselves so hard that we fall in bed exhausted at night.
Sometimes we think a “summer read” is light fare. It can be just fun, or it can be an academic pursuit or a spiritual study. We have opportunity to nourish our minds, especially when we apply the filter found in Philippians 4:8. Whatever is true, noble, right, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy, think on these things. Choose carefully what we read, then enjoy. Discerning choices help us abide in the Vine. We need to put what we read through the filter of scripture. Is the book teaching truth?
Reading for pleasure is easy to put off if we feel it’s frivolous. But reading feeds our minds. That’s why it’s important to choose wisely what we consume.
When we put off nourishing our minds, we have less to think with, less to offer. Reading broadens exposure and deepens understanding. A friend said recently novels are an excellent way to learn about relationships and how they work. Yes! Consider Emma’s and Mr. Knightly’s contrasting opinions on the character of Mr. Weston. Or, review the exploits of Frog and Toad.
Francis Bacon said, “Reading maketh a full man; conference a ready man; and writing an exact man.” Reading gives us varied knowledge. Discussion with others develops our ability to engage. Writing requires us to be clear and precise. Reading ignites this process.
My dear friend says, “A book is like a mentor.” Indeed! That’s why it’s so important to use the truth filter of scripture. Just the sight of certain books warms my heart. I know the influence they’ve had on me for good. I appreciate the hours of enjoyment reading them. I remember quotations and concepts that have served me well. Those books are like friends from whom I’ve gained wisdom. They’re as varied as people friends. They may be thick tomes, skinny short paperbacks, fiction, non-fiction, spiritually-oriented, or essentially how-to manuals. The variety is a pleasure. Gratefully, I can return to them again and again.
What book has been like a mentor for you?
