We have a dream for our next house. After many years of collecting college books, purchasing books during almost twenty-nine years of marriage, plus my growing counseling and cookbook collections, Tim and I look forward to displaying all of our books in one place...finally. We are already considering organizational methods as well as display and decoration ideas for this enormous book collection so it won't appear too, well, library-ish. Our collection should be an interesting and attractive statement of our lives and purpose.
Books remind me of long letters from authors all over the world with information, instruction, wisdom and creativity. Some are brilliant. Others are boring. Some are humorous. Others are serious. Some are gifts. Others are challenges. Some remind us of loved ones past and present. Books reflect so much about our culture, our history and even...our lives.
Books fascinate me for different reasons. I remember watching my Dad study and read the Bible to us when we were children. I remember Mom writing articles for the local newspaper and poetry while I thought she should write her own book. I remember libraries in our Church and schools. I remember elementary teachers reading the Bible to us each morning and other books in the afternoons. Books engage our minds, open our eyes and stir our hearts. Their content and purposes vary...but they always take us to a new level of learning and living.
Even the Word of God is written in a Book called the Bible. Books can influence our eternity! I suppose it shouldn't be difficult to see that our lives are much like books. Some chapters are quite basic. Others are more involved. Some chapters are difficult to understand. Other chapters confuse us no matter how much we review them. Some chapters are heartbreaking and painful. Other chapters provide tremendous celebrations. Some chapters are quite brief. Other chapters are much too long. Some chapters are peaceful while others are traumatic. Some pages and chapters remain blank.
One thing is consistent about books. There's a beginning, middle and end. Each chapter has a purpose. Each page was written by an author who knew how that chapter and the entire book would gradually progress and eventually end.
I am so thankful that the Author of my life continues to write my story. I don't understand some chapters. I have enjoyed some far more than others. Some of the details, plots, characters and events have been quite shocking. Other chapters He pens are incredibly beautiful and joyful. Each page has a purpose. Each chapter leads to another. I don't know the final chapter yet...but I do know there are blank pages He will fill once my story is complete. I find it most comforting to realize that knowing the Author personally...and realizing He writes my story with His precious love...gives me every reason to trust Him through it all. Besides, I have already read another Book He wrote...and I know how it ends. May the Author of my life be illuminated in each chapter, page, line and word as my story unfolds for Him. ♥~thl
"Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119: 105
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