Wisdom Reads
Though Wyndham was always an excellent student, in elementary school he was occasionally chastised by teachers for reading. Yes, you read correctly. It seems he would creatively have his “correct” school textbook open while reading a biography tucked neatly inside of his textbook. He would keep reading this way until the teacher noticed—or until he had read all the biographies in the library, which he did. His love for reading continued through the years.
Wyndham is in good company. Certainly, Jesus was an avid student of the Old Testament, as he quoted it often. Also, we know the Apostle Paul greatly valued “books.”
Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.
I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. (2 Timothy 4:11-13)
I’m reminded of Wyndham’s love of reading tonight as we watch our beloved Red Sox in the World Series. (Stay with me, Los Angeles friends.) Wyndham had no television when he was growing up, so he read. His parent’s “no television” choice had one exception. Every year, for the World Series, his dad would rent a television. This was a big event. The World Series is still a big event in this house.
Reading helps us gain wisdom. Of course, nothing surpasses the importance of reading the Bible. I love reading the Bible but must fight to read it simply to hear God speaking to me. It’s easy for me to read it for teaching purposes, or for ways I can share it with someone else. All good. But, the most important way for me to read the Bible is to really let the Spirit speak to me. In the quiet (or even the noise), God is always speaking to me. Then, I must ruminate on what he says…concentrating on what he speaks to my heart. God’s Spirit communicates.
Today I read a Facebook post by Jonathan Laing, quoting his young daughter saying she was “Missed— Underheard,” thinking she was saying “misunderstood.” I thought this was a brilliant perspective of “misunderstood.” I wonder how often God feels like he is altogether missed. And, underheard.
Reading shows that we desire to learn. Reading expands our imagination and gives us new perspectives. Reading makes us think, and if we let it—makes us better. I love reading spiritual books and am energized and called higher by many books. Sadly, Wyndham can no longer hold a book to read, so I read to him. This has resulted in an unforeseen blessing. Most nights I read some Scriptures out loud, or at times read something I have read in a book I know he would appreciate. I have learned that reading out loud adds a new dimension to reading, which is good. “Community reading” gives us the opportunity to grow together.
I must close here. The World Series is on, and this is no time to read…or write.
If you would be so kind, in your comments feel free to share a spiritual growth book that has served you well, and perhaps something about the book. I’ll post a collection. Happy reading, and go Red Sox.
My husband is a good sport with my photo requests.
Humility by Andrew Murray “When we see that humility is something infinitely deeper than contrition and accept it as our participation in the life of Jesus, we will begin to learn that it is our true nobility. We will begin to understand that being servants of all is the highest fulfillment of our destiny, as men created in the image of God.”
You exemplify this, Jeanie.
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Beautiful inspiring words! I have been re-reading Elizabeth Laing Thompson’s book When God Says Wait. I love all the Scriptures she shares (which I go back and study on my own) as well as her personal sharing. I keep getting more and more out of it. Our ladies bible study group is going over it together!
Jeanie, I love this blog! You are a great writer, but mostly you a re a great wife, mother, sister and friend. Thanks for sharing Wyndham and your journey. I appreciate it more than ever now. Love you guys, Al
On Wed, Oct 24, 2018 at 3:34 AM My Morning Cup – Refilled… wrote:
> jeanieshaw posted: “Wisdom Reads Though Wyndham was always an excellent > student, in elementary school he was occasionally chastised by teachers for > reading. Yes, you read correctly. It seems he would creatively have his > “correct” school textbook open while reading a biograp” >
Marcia Lamb’s book ‘This Doesn’t Feel Like Love’ has continued to inspire me. I used to feel that my physical challenges would be seen as spiritu weakness and I would be looked down upon, plus be precluded from ever leveling a leader. Reading how Marcia was supported and encouraged by the leaders in her life and see her ability to go back into the ministry really gave me hope.
I’m a slow reader but my wife loves to read, and she often reads to me…I’m trying to be like Wyndham. love you both!
I have read Soul Keeping by John Ortberg and now the women in my group are reading it. We are also watching the accompanying video and learning much about integrating our soul, mind, body and will. One of the many quotes I love is: “you must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.” Dallas Willard
I think of this often as I focus more on the moment now and the person I am with and what they are saying. I am always hurrying and always busy but there is a difference. I must take time to to “smell the roses “, be enriched by a conversation and grow from things outside of myself that God is showing me.
Battle Plan of Prayer is an awesome book on prayer
I love the stories the authors use to teach about their chapters and just how the book has many areasit covers on prayer!
Go Red Soxs 2 games down!