The Benefit of Reading (and Re-Reading)

 

Most folks know that I’m an avid reader, and that much of what I read is fictional. Thus, the turn-around of my shelves is not uncommon. I read a book, and I donate it to the book sale – where I purchase several more; and the cycle continues.

Some books, however, stay with me – literally, on the shelf, as well as in the mind. There are some fiction and some non-fiction; books that have held meaning deeper than just entertainment. These are books that get re-visited, sometimes for nostalgia, sometimes for comfort, sometimes for research or study (or sermon prep!)

As François Mauriac said, "Tell me what you read and I'll tell you who you are is true enough, but I'd know you better if you told me what you reread."

Re-reading can be beautiful, for any number of reasons. It keeps the books alive for us, and thus indicates we are still wanting to engage with the material (or characters or themes). A re-read can reveal to us new understandings or applications, depending on where we are in our journey. It can enhance our appreciation for the writing itself, as we discover nuance or structure that we missed the first time.

What we choose to re-read can be a great experience. It’s why we re-read the scriptures: because God is constantly revealing new lessons, new perspectives, new appreciations of how we are being called to live in community.

As we journey through the bible, there are some passages that we may have memorised, some we vaguely remember, and others we may never have read. Whatever opens before us, however, invites us to read it carefully – intentionally and prayerfully – that we might fully benefit from that passage today. Even the parts we think we know can surprise us with new perspectives!

What we read is important. What we re-read can define who we are. As we re-read God’s word, may we be open to hearing God’s speaking anew!

Apples!

As the end of summer looms (egads it’s frost season. Already!) I have the pleasure of picking apples in the yard. I have 2 apple trees, and it’s amazing what that means for my annual fruit intake!

After a slow start this spring, my one tree remained minimal in its output, while the other one decided to bless all my neighbours and friends with abundance. It’s such a unique experience: the fruit at the top of the tree may look the most appealing with the hints of red, but the green ones within reach (without a ladder to fall from) provide the best tang and texture for baking and oatmeal. How very human to desire that which appears “better” even when it’s slightly out of reach!

Yet that ladder experience itself speaks of another component of the season: the benefit of others. When I ascend the heights, I make sure someone else is nearby – should my descent be too rapid they are there for help!

After completing the apple harvest for myself (meaning my freezer has hit capacity), I’ve given away about 100 pounds (so far!). I’ve heard of folks making pies, bread, crisp, and sauce… apples definitely provide an example of what it means to be generous: I don’t care what other folks do with their apples, I’m just glad they’re being used.

The apples also help me to comprehend our human concept of unused or wasted; many have either become bruised after having fallen in a windstorm, or have been a feast for wasps and other insects. They do end up in the compost bin; and while that may seem like waste, it is providing nutrients for next year. It’s not unusable; it’s just not practical for me to use right now.

There are numerous additional reflections I could offer, and others I’m sure I’ve not considered – however we take the opportunity to reflect on the events of our daily lives, may we receive as many blessings as my tree had apples!