Travelling Through Time and Space with Books

Having the luxury to spend time reading a book is a real gift. When we read, we learn to walk in other people’s shoes, can sit at the feet of wise people and travel in time and space. Books enhance our world view as we are exposed to different viewpoints. They also provide a great way to relax. Currently, I am reading Richard Flannagan’s ‘The Narrow Road to The Deep North’. This book, which won the Man Booker Prize in 2014, gives some insight into the suffering, courage and alternative cultural perspectives of people involved in the construction of the Thai-Burma death railway. Books such as this gives some insight into the resilience of human beings, reminds us to be deeply thankful for the sacrifices made by others and the blessings we have in our own lives. They also put some of our daily challenges into perspective. Books can help us to re-centre as they provide a space for us to take a breath. Developing the family habit of reading, no matter how busy we are, is an important gift. This could even be as little as a page or two from a book before we go to sleep.

The Bible is a great book that enables us to sit at the feet of God. It has the unique ability to enable us to gain an insight into His relationship with thousands of humans over thousands of years and at the same time, God speaks personally to us, knowing us intimately and inviting us to be in relationship with Him as a unique and loved part of His creation. It is a book we can reread because it speaks to us differently in different times of our lives. It is the book of wisdom, love and hope that is an essential travel companion as we travel through time and space.