It seems to me that our biggest issue with sheltering in place is what we should do for entertainment. We, as humans, are very social creatures. Not being able to be with other people, friends, and extended family feels so very against our nature even though we know it is best for our health. So, the question becomes how DO we entertain ourselves?
While there are lots of options that I could recommend, today I want to advertise the lost art of reading.
Why do I say lost art? I say lost art because it has become increasingly "not popular" to read. According to today's society, you're better off endlessly scrolling the internet rather than sitting down to read and absorb new information.
And while you may just want to keep on scrolling because you don't see how I could possibly redeem this post, I think you should give reading a try. You have all the time in the world and reading triggers your imagination. When the creative juices are flowing you are a healthier, active version of yourself.
Here's my book recommendation: Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin.
I cannot say enough good things about this book. It's one of those books that you want to throw across the room and hug tightly to your chest at the same time. It changes your perspective and challenges you to open your eyes.
Chasing Fireflies is a novel about finding your identity and self-worth in the person that really matters: Jesus Christ. Martin uses the fictitious story of a young boy named Sketch and how he found his forever home to teach the lesson on finding your identity in the arms of your Heavenly Father.
Sketch was in and out of foster homes and orphanages, and he was beaten, abused, and afraid to speak. But by the end of the novel, Sketch learns about who he really is. Adopted or not, he IS his father's son. And there's nothing and no one that can change that.
Like Sketch, I think it is important for us to remember that we have a Father in Heaven who loves us and knows us intimately. Jesus knows these times are hard, and he knows that things do get a little boring sometimes. There isn't a thought that we have that he wasn't already aware of.
If not for the deep spiritual connection alone, there are other reasons why Chasing Fireflies is such a good read.
It expands your vocabulary. I know people always say this when they recommend books and I'm sorry about the cliche, but it's true with this book. I did have to break out my dictionary to look up a few words, and I also had to ask Dad to explain to me the functions of some tools that Martin mentioned.
It sparks your imagination, changing how you see things. One of my favorite descriptions from the book is about roses, both physical and metaphorical:
“He picked up one of Lorna's roses and set it in my lap. "Here." I picked it up and smelled it. He poked me in the shoulder. "See what I mean? Thorns don't stop you from sniffing. Or putting them in a vase on the kitchen table. You work around them.... Cause the rose is worth it... Think what you'd miss.” ― Charles Martin, Chasing Fireflies: A Novel of Discovery
If that description doesn't make you beeline to the nearest copy of it, I don't know what will.
Until next time,
Happy Reading Folks!