The Book That Keeps Giving

As some of you may know, one of the hobbies I picked up again last year was reading. We were in lockdown. I was working, studying from home and spending way too much time on my phone and laptop. I needed something away from it all and reading was the perfect solution.

I stumbled across my old Goodreads account and set a challenge for myself to read 20 books by the end of the year. For those who don't know what Goodreads is, it's a website that keeps track of what you read and allows you to share your books with your friends. I am proud to say that I read 28 books last year, exceeding my expectations and completing the challenge.

My First Realisation

As I set my Goodreads challenge for 2022, it occurred to me that it didn’t matter how many books I actually read, what mattered more was how many good books I read.

Of the 28 books that I read last year, some of them were complete duds. They weren’t enjoyable to read, they didn’t teach me anything about the world and the endings were less than satisfactory.

So this year, I want to read good books. Books that leave me wanting more, books that change and transform my perspective on life. Books that help me grow in wonder.

My Second Realisation

The other realisation I had was that while I had finished reading 28 different books, there was one book that I hadn't finished reading. One that was more important than the rest.

A book that keeps giving, a book that somehow hits different every time you read it. God’s book, the Bible.

Now it's a very unique book because you actually get 66 books in one book. It's divided into two major sections: the Old Testament (39 books) and the New Testament (27 books). If you're someone who likes a good deal, then this is the book for you. You don't get 2 for 1, you get 66 for 1. (I hope I'm not the only one who found this comment funny.)

It's a book that has single-handedly revolutionised the way that I see and live my life. It's through this book that I met the one true God and since then it has broadened and challenged my thinking and understanding of who He is. It's been 7 years since I started reading this book for myself and part of me wishes I had gone out of my way earlier to read it. When thinking about the impact this book has had on my life, the truth that it has spoken and the life it has given me, it honestly didn't make sense that I hadn't finished reading it.

My Commitment

So this year I've decided that I will commit to reading God's book, the Bible.

If you are like me and considering what to read or how to spend your time well this new year, would you consider reading the book that keeps giving. The book that reveals the wonder of God, demonstrates His character and captures His story in the flesh. This book will not let you down. It will exceed your expectations. It speaks to your heart and soul and gives life. It is truth.

Won't you read it with me this year?