When was the last time I read a physical book?
It's been nearly six months since I last picked up a book, and the last one I started remains unfinished. It all began with a deep yearning to strengthen my relationship with God, as I felt a growing disconnection from Him. Determined to make a change, I reached out to my pastor, hoping for guidance in rekindling my faith through reading. He was genuinely encouraged by my eagerness and recommended a profound book called “Quiet Time” written by Dr. Dag Heward-Mills.
The book spans around 20 insightful chapters, and I only managed to read the first 10. Those chapters struck a chord within me, prompting me to jot down my reflections and aspirations. I promised myself that I would return to finish the remaining chapters, as I believed they held significant lessons for my spiritual journey. It took me approximately a month to get through the initial 10 chapters, absorbing their messages and contemplating their relevance to my life.
Why did I stop reading?
However, my reading journey came to an abrupt halt due to the overwhelming demands of life. Various challenges arose, and my worries about personal matters consumed the majority of my time, overshadowing my commitment to reading. One of the most pressing issues that weighs heavily on many of us is financial stability. Growing up, I held an optimistic view that finding a satisfying job and making a decent living would come easily. Yet, as I transitioned into adulthood, I discovered that reality tends to be much more complex. I have come to understand that achieving true success requires not only putting faith in God first but also investing substantial effort in our endeavors; without both, progress seems improbable.
My journey into reading Christian literature was driven by a desire to comprehend God’s workings, particularly when it comes to why diligent and principled individuals often go through trials and tribulations. Even though I couldn’t complete “Quiet Time,” it imparted a vital lesson: every season has its purpose, and during times of waiting, we must remain proactive. Instead of idly waiting for things to unfold, it’s essential to acquire skills and knowledge that can nurture our growth and prepare us for the future.
Motivated by this realization, I committed to learn something new every three months. I recognize that even if I cannot immediately apply my newfound knowledge or skills, they might turn out to be invaluable down the road, especially if they align with God's greater plan for my life.
Will I continue reading a physical book in the future?
As for my reading habits, I am optimistic about reigniting my passion for books. However, I first need to reevaluate my schedule and interests to carve out dedicated time for reading physical books. I’ve noticed that I often succumb to sleep when reading for prolonged periods, so I plan to approach my reading more strategically, tackling it chapter by chapter or segment by segment. This way, I hope to fully absorb the material without feeling overwhelmed, ultimately deepening my understanding and connection with God.
This is my entry to week 186, edition 02 of the weekly featured contest for reading, and the topic to be discussed is A READING HABIT.