"After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions."*
One day a while ago, sitting on a bus going into university, I was reading my Bible when a man sat next to me. Most days that is a common occurrence, but that day, instead of sitting in silence this stranger started talking to me, his opening line was priceless: "Are you studying to become the Pope?"
I found it funny for two reasons... one, I am a woman! second, more than just the Pope read the Bible!
I have just finished a week in a retreat called L'Abri** which is designed for anyone who is interested to sit down and read a few books and think about big topics, including what Christianity is all about and how it relates to everyday life. They have all sorts of books, on Christianity, culture, classics, children, church, and community, as well as many other topics!!
It was such a privilege to be able to sit down and have the freedom and time read and think, and discuss!
Maybe not everyone thinks reading is as enjoyable as i find it, but that doesn't mean it's not for you. There is much to be learned from books. And books shouldn't just be things for smart people, or rich people, or important people, or people in 'that field'... but for everyone and anyone!
But maybe we can only really get into reading if we have questions. At L'Abri everyone is encouraged to ask any and every question that they have. It is that freedom and openness to explore that I hope to continue for the rest of my life. Why are we afraid to ask questions? How much do we want questions solved? For me, an unanswered question hangs around my mind, until I give it the time it requires.
Conversations around a meal, or over a cup of tea, or on a walk are great for gaining perspective and sounding boards. But ultimately, I turn to books (or if it is possible, test it out in real life) to find a deeper understanding and answers to my questions.
But maybe we can only really get into reading if we have questions. At L'Abri everyone is encouraged to ask any and every question that they have. It is that freedom and openness to explore that I hope to continue for the rest of my life. Why are we afraid to ask questions? How much do we want questions solved? For me, an unanswered question hangs around my mind, until I give it the time it requires.
Conversations around a meal, or over a cup of tea, or on a walk are great for gaining perspective and sounding boards. But ultimately, I turn to books (or if it is possible, test it out in real life) to find a deeper understanding and answers to my questions.
"Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered."***
Who am I to think I've got it all answered? There are days I think I have answered all my questions, but tomorrow or the next day something always happens that makes me wonder about life's big questions.
The quote at the top describes Jesus as a young teen seeking the opportunity to learn and find answers to his questions. Reading is for everyone! Ask questions, seek answers.
"For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks find, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."****
*Luke 2:46
**http://www.labri.org/england/index.html
***Proverbs 28:26
****Luke 11:10
**http://www.labri.org/england/index.html
***Proverbs 28:26
****Luke 11:10
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