Avid reader

I'm an avid reader. I read all kinds of things from fiction to auto-biographies. I choose not to spend much money on books because I go through them so quickly. I like to fold down the pages instead of using a bookmark. I like to underline a passage that speaks to me. Lately I've taken to the local thrift stores to find my reads.

I don't spend a lot of time choosing books. I generally read the book jacket and if it sounds interesting, I buy it. At about a buck each, I can afford to reject a book once I get it home if it's not a good fit for me.

I prefer books that don't use foul language, aren't full of blood and guts, or contain graphic sex. But the truth is, you can't always tell right away if the book is going to be what you thought it was. I've been a few chapters into a book only to realize it was falling below my standards. Those books are donated, sold or recycled without me finishing them.

On my last trip to the thrift store, I was tired at the end of a day of errands and I ran in quickly just to pick up a couple of books to read in the coming days. I spent even less time than usual leafing through pages. I picked up 4 books, and left for home.

Amazingly, the first two books are written from a Christian perspective. (I haven't opened the last two yet).The first is about a singles church retreat, and the second begins with thanking God for salvation. What are the chances that out of all the books for sale, I ended up with the ones that were appropriate for me to read?

I didn't pray for certain books that day. I didn't ask God to lead me to a particular area of the store. God did it anyway. Without me even being aware, God chose for me a way to relax and unwind without compromising my values. I am thankful to my God who loves me enough to help me in ways I don't think to ask for.

Dear God, please continue to guide my life. "Direct my steps by your word, and let no iniquity have dominion over me". (Psalm 119:133) Thank you for loving me so much!