On reading well

I heard someone not long ago say that you can learn a lot about someone by their bookshelf.  I thought that was kind of odd, until I got home and I began to look at my own bookshelf.  And as I looked at book after book, volume after volume, I began to see myself.  Biblical scholarship, feminist scholarship, autobiographies, poetry, comedy, music.  Favorite authors; favorite books with worn spines and pages; favorite notes and pictures tucked into those pages.

And I find it to be true.  My character has been shaped and molded and challenged by the books that I read.  I have discovered that the foundation of my faith is the only thing that matters, and that the house that I build upon it is simply an expressive response to what I believe.  I have discovered that Jesus is bigger than I could possibly imagine-- and ever dream to fit into my brainbox or my hands or even, my vocabulary.  I have discovered that I love wisdom more than correctness, and freedom more than rightness, and righteousness more than division.  I have discovered that I love big words, and people who write about their own experiences, and thoughtfulness that inspires me to do good and to love well with my hands, my head, and my heart. And I have discovered that I am proud to display a quirky self through my bookshelf.  So if ever you find yourself at my house-- feel free to take a look, pick up a book, and thumb through the pages.  You may see me-- or maybe even you-- in what you find.

Here's to the books that change us, teach us, and love us well through their pages and their words.