Saturday, July 08, 2017

First Principles


This year one of my goals has been to read more. 

I've always been an avid reader, with the tendency to inhale books fairly regularly, and the reputation of always having a book in my bag (at least one physical book and my kindle for emergencies). However this year I decided to take an intentional approach to reading, something that I haven't done since my early teenage years. [Family lore has it that I once read 20 books in 21 days over a school break.]

My decision to read this year has brought me back to those days, reminding me of how much I love devouring a good book, and all the random tidbits of knowledge and whispers of experiences that come along with it. But more surprisingly, it's brought with it a renewed enthusiasm for life and an excitement that I'd begun to forget.


In many ways a return to the voracious reading habits of my childhood have been a return to first principles for me. A reminder that beneath, behind and between all the stress of adult life: the frustrations of the present and the uncertainty of the future, I have been rooted and grounded in somewhere safe.

God has been whispering to me through my reading habits, reminding me of first principles: love for all, commitment and consistency in my faith, a desire to grow deeper in my knowledge of Him. I have been reminded that:
  • we love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19)
  • seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matt 6:33)
  • in this world we will have trouble, but Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33)
  • God is my shield, my glory, the lifter of my head (Psalm 3:3)
These simple lessons have meant so much to me this year, these reminders that I am indeed rooted and grounded in Christ's love.

Be blessed and shine bright [like a reading lamp]!

1 comment:

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
and how good is a timely word! -Prov 15:23