I really like to read.

I remember devouring books as a little girl and on through adulthood. I was never one of those people who didn’t read for fun just because I had to read so much in college. In fact, as a little girl, I actually remember getting excited when we got new cereal because I knew that I would have something new to read on the back of the box when we ate breakfast.

I am not kidding.

We didn’t have much money growing up, so the library was a visit that we made as often as possible. But it wasn’t just to check out books. The library was a place of adventure, romance, mystery and safety. It always just felt warm and safe to me. I actually think that it represented what books were to me as well…warm and safe.

There have been times in my life as a young mother that I simply did not have time to read like I wanted to…and other times I would have a book in every room, just like people talk about having “readers” in every room.

I currently use an electronic reader, but I will quickly admit there is nothing I like better than having a real hardback book in my hands. Maybe it gets back to the “warm and safe” thing I mentioned earlier.

So imagine my surprise when I realized it has been taking me weeks, sometimes months to read an entire book. Just one book. I work a part time job and have more time on my hands than I ever remember having…so what is going on?

Social media. Yep. When I read…that is where I go. My tired eyes tell me that I am reading, but I know it is not the kind of reading that I have come to enjoy so much. So I am making some changes.

As a homeschooling mom, I use to try and read whenever I told the boys that they had to have thirty minutes of “reading time” and we all enjoyed it. In fact, they don’t mind reading to this day. And as a former public school special educator, I also tried to model these times in shorter time spans.  The importance of reading can never be over-emphasized.

So my suggestion? Read books. Mom, take time to read as your kids are reading. Why not do it again? I have set a goal of 25 books for myself this year. I guess I am ready for the “warm and safe” feeling again!

Here are several links for some programs I found recently…I am only familiar with the “Book It” program. I am sure there are several other sites that would give you ideas.
http://www.bookitprogram.com
http://www.reading-rewards.com
http://www.bookadventure.com/Home.aspx
http://www.soarwithreading.com

Hmmmm….so when (not if) I reach my goal I am thinking about a “warm and safe” beach trip! Or at least if I am close I can finish up on that “warm and safe” beach….

Happy Reading!

IN CHRIST ALONE

TSA

*personal images, Dr. Seuss quote