Books, Books, and More Books

This week I went through my many bookcases and packed up seven boxes of books I don’t need or no longer want. I donated the books to a church in Batesville who is having a book sale with the proceeds going to a shelter for abused women and children.

I love to read, but I have to admit that many of the books I donated have not been read. I’ve accumulated them over the years from conferences or from friends or from distributors who wanted me to preview their book.

I still have a couple hundred books – again, some of which I’ve not yet read. My problem is there are too many new books being published on subjects I’m interested in, so it seems I’m always behind. On top of that, there are books I just “have to read” recommended by friends and coworkers. Some times I relate to what King Solomon said, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.”

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I get so caught up in books and studying and learning, that I forget to simply spend time with God. And that’s what Solomon was pointing out. He started by saying, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth”… and he reminds us to pay attention to the words of our One Shepherd – Jesus.

Books are wonderful, and we should read – a lot. But we should never let reading get in the way of our relationship. God doesn’t want us just to read about him; he wants us to spend time with him, to talk with him, to enjoy being in his presence, to enjoy his creation and his love.

Reading that helps us see, understand or spend time with God is good, but it never replaces the relationship.

Every library is filled with books, books, and more books, but nothing beats simply sitting in God’s presence and enjoying him. – Rick