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I don’t go to the movies as often as I used to. Streaming at home became a gift during COVID, and I have learned to appreciate watching shows in the comfort of my home. But when I do go to the theater, it's usually to the place with, in my opinion, the best seats and popcorn. And if it is a movie based on a book, I most often have read the book first. That was true with Oppenheimer, that I saw a few months ago, and this past Friday when Ben and I went to see Killers of the Flower Moon. More often than not, I prefer the book, although I greatly enjoyed both of those movies.
Books continue to enthrall me. From the time I could read, I enjoyed nothing more than curling up in my room and being taken away for a bit from the cares of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood by a book. Does anyone else remember the Trixie Belden or Cherry Ames, Student Nurse series?
As I write this, I am finishing three days of meetings in Columbia for our Missouri Annual Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. It is an important honor to be on this board, and it comes with great responsibility as we make decisions about who will lead churches as ordained clergy. And what did I do to unwind when I returned to my hotel room? I picked up my Reader's Digest Condensed Book and delved into another tale. (Did you know those are still around?)
And there is one book that nurtures my soul, sets my feet on solid ground, comforts me in my grief, challenges me in my complacency and moves me forward day after day. It is at the same time ancient and new. Over the years, there have been many movies made trying to portray the story, but I rarely watch them, although I know many people enjoy them greatly. But for me the movies always fall short of the wonder of holding the words in my hand. Of course, I am referring to the Holy Bible. So as I start this day, it is with reading the Word of God. I will let the Holy Spirit paint a picture in my mind of the greatest story ever told. For a moment I am a recipient of a gift of immeasurable value and life transforming power. It is a gift that is yours too. Will you unwrap it?
See you Sunday,
Lori
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