"We are not what we
know but what we are willing to learn." – Mary Catherine Bateson
The benefits of reading and
aspiring to learn from what we read cannot be overemphasized. Good books can
change mindsets for a flourishing society. Indeed it is people who make up a
society and when they are influenced positively, a fruitful world is created.
My favourite book is a
bestseller and is ever fresh as I read it year in year out. Each time I read
it, there is always something new for me to learn or apply in my career,
relationships and my life.
My first real encounter with
the book was in 1991. Because it’s voluminous I was only opportuned to read it
from cover to cover in 2006. Before I used to read chapter by chapter and
sometimes I would re-read chapters. Despite the fact I have read it cover to
cover before, when I pick it up it seems I had not read it before. I seem to
see another angle to what I have read. And if the portion am reading speaks to
a present situation, it comes alive in a greater dimension.
I have come to realize that
the more I read the book, the smarter I become. The book says a lot about day
to day living such that when I apply its teachings, I am regarded as smart! It
teaches me to prioritize my goals and if I follow my goals in order of priority,
I am known as organized and efficient.
I struggle to cope with
challenging situations that come my way. On such occasions, I act thoughtlessly
and sometimes I regret my actions. One day as I battled, I read a portion that
said, “If you crumble to pieces in the time of crisis, it means there was
nothing in you in the first place.” I began to learn that in peace and
tranquillity, solutions to my situations arise and when I apply them, it sometimes
amazes even me that the solution occurred to. I began to learn that difficulties
will continue to raise their heads but I don’t always have to fall to pieces or
throw tantrums each time. The book teaches me to be joyful in the midst of my
circumstances and know I have the power to overcome and the strength to keep
going. In the end, victory will be mine and a personal transformation can take
place even in difficulties.
I have also discovered that
in reading, understanding and applying what I read, I discover my true self
which is devoid of selfishness and is people oriented. When I focus on helping
people, my problems become surmountable.
The book makes me understand
that we can have a better society if we can accommodate and appreciate all men
irrespective of culture and race. Furthermore, when we learn to treat others
like we want to be treated, we can have societies infested with goodness and no
evil. Wouldn’t that be awesome?
The book is an
anti-depressant, a tranquilizer and pain killer that reduces my daily stress.
It tells stories of those that have gone ahead of me for me to learn from. I
don’t have to learn everything by personal experience. And it assures me that
my challenges are not unique to me.
It is a life coach, mentor
and skills’ builder focusing on making me a better person for myself, family
and friends. It x-rays my life and brings up hidden things to the surface so I
can do away with them. It builds confidence in me and encourages me not to
compare myself with others but to be content and maximize the talents and gifts
in me.
It trains me on the
principles of prosperity and teaches me how to be wise with money. I ought to
master money rather it mastering me.
The Bible is indeed my
favourite book. Though written many years ago, it is still relevant today and
will still be a treasure for the future. Individuals need it. Nations need it. As
I read some famous quotes, I realized many also value the bible as much as I
do:
“It is impossible to rightly govern the world without
God and the Bible.”
- Unknown author.
“...In all my
perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and
strength.”
- Robert E. Lee.
"I
believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to man. All the good from
the Saviour of the world is communicated to us through this book."
- Abraham
Lincoln
The Bible is a guide, a
director and a teacher. It is a builder, encourager and a light to my path. It
creates order and administers discipline in my life. It shapes me to be who I
am called to be and it is all I need to tackle the challenges life throws at
me.
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Image from Pamela Hodson @ dreamstime
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