While I was away these past few weeks, some beautiful book cases appeared in my study at work. The new bookcases are a gift from a friend and they are beautiful.
Not surprisingly, I wasn't all that eager to come back to work. I was, however, looking forward to organizing my library. For several years, I've had books boxed up at home. Finally, I can unpack those boxes and bring some order to the massive collection of books that I've gathered over the years.
I've tried audio books and e-readers, but for my taste there's nothing quite like holding an actual book in hand. Over the years, these books have become my good friends. Many of them are marked up and well used.
Without intending to sound strange, we've been through a lot together.
I was a book store manager in my seminary days. It was a great job. Probably the best part of the job was meeting with various theological textbook publishers. Wanting me to stock their books, these publishing representatives would give me copies of books from their new book list each season. The idea (I guess) was that I would read their books - and then decide to stock them in my store. In the process, I built quite a library. What's best, most of the books that I have didn't cost a penny. They were given to me and they simply accumulated over time.
And I've read almost every one of them.
I have about a thousand books that I'd like to read again someday. I'm not sure if that will ever happen. All the same, simply holding a book in my hand brings a flood of memories. Sometimes, I remember exactly when I read a certain book. Sometimes, I remember how the book affected me or caused me to see things differently. Sometimes, I recall a specific quotation or insight or chapter. Not every book has been meaningful - but most of them have.
Some of these books, in fact, changed my life.
I know people who collect tea cups, spoons, baseball cards, tractors, guns, old tools, and all manner of things. I collect books. And I am richer for it.
Yes, I know. I could probably put every book I have on a single digital device. But I'm kind of a dinosaur when it comes to books. I love to feel the weight of a book as I hold it in my hands. I love to write in the margins. I love to see the book on my shelf.
Most of all, I love the way that I am changed as I read.
If you're ever looking for a good book to read, drop by for a visit. I probably have exactly what you're looking for . . .
And I've read almost every one of them.
I have about a thousand books that I'd like to read again someday. I'm not sure if that will ever happen. All the same, simply holding a book in my hand brings a flood of memories. Sometimes, I remember exactly when I read a certain book. Sometimes, I remember how the book affected me or caused me to see things differently. Sometimes, I recall a specific quotation or insight or chapter. Not every book has been meaningful - but most of them have.
Some of these books, in fact, changed my life.
I know people who collect tea cups, spoons, baseball cards, tractors, guns, old tools, and all manner of things. I collect books. And I am richer for it.
Yes, I know. I could probably put every book I have on a single digital device. But I'm kind of a dinosaur when it comes to books. I love to feel the weight of a book as I hold it in my hands. I love to write in the margins. I love to see the book on my shelf.
Most of all, I love the way that I am changed as I read.
If you're ever looking for a good book to read, drop by for a visit. I probably have exactly what you're looking for . . .