As many of you know, I’ve recently taken some time off for educational purposes (with a bit of vacation time thrown in as well!). During my first week of lectures I found myself inspired by a few of the speakers to purchase their books. Which then got me thinking about the act of reading. You see, I have a confession to make: I haven’t done as much reading as I would like to. The past few years it seems like life has gotten so busy that I think there just isn’t time to sit down and just get lost in a good book. But, I think my spirit has suffered because of this. I find myself longing for the days when I’d get lost in a good story that took me to some place new. Longing for those moments when I’d feel more connected with the Divine because of something Longing for the experience of growth and revelation because I read someone’s new and fresh ideas. You see, for me reading is more than just an activity to pass the time. Reading in many ways is a spiritual practice for me. Stories help me dream! Stories give me hope! Stories help me to grow and learn! And stories let me travel around the world and back to my own comfy chair! But I’ve neglected this spiritual practice. Which has left me thinking that perhaps this summer is a good time to pick this practice back up. And so, I’m committing myself to reading this summer. I’m not going to let those new books collect dust! And I might even blow the dust off a few others, or re-visit an old favourite. And so I’m inviting you to join me on my journey. Join me in making reading a spiritual practice this summer. Join me in committing yourself to reading a book or two (or more!) over the next few months. Choose a commitment you know you can achieve. Make a plan for how you’ll create space for reading. Perhaps even choose a special spot to go and read and rest! For me, I’m going to commit to reading two books this summer. And I’m going to commit myself to making time to read for an hour at least 3 times a week, although I hope to do more! So what would you like to read this summer? And what will help you make the commitment? Share your reading list and personal commitment in the comments and let’s do this together! I’ll check in over the summer and share my success and failures at keeping to this commitment, and maybe in the fall we can plan a time to share together what we’ve read! So come and travel with me into the heart of God which can be found in the stories, reflections and knowledge that are all around us!
Rev. Tara Ann’s Reading List/suggestions:
I did manage to read after my con-ed, Anne Lamott’s book “Dusk, Night, Dawn.”
I commit to reading:
“Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone” by Brené Brown
“White Fragility: Why it’s So Hard for White People to Talk about Racism” by Robin DiAngelo
Bideford Pastoral Charge 