Happy Friday -I’m excited about our incredible Sisterhood- and that includes YOU!
Today’s thoughts bring me to one of my favorite subjects: reading. We’ve all heard the old adage “Leaders are Readers”. Science lists many benefits to reading which include: stress relief, mental stimulation, improved focus, expanded vocabulary, improved critical thinking, etc. the list can go on. But even more important for us as Jesus girls is this: to be intentional in becoming all Christ has ordained for us individually to accomplish His purpose. Reading is one of the ways we can intentionally equip ourselves. The Amplified version describes our Proverbs 31 woman like this: “10 An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous] …verse 17: “She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task]".
Depending on what stage in life we’re in, sometimes finding the time for reading can be difficult. I haven’t always gotten this part of my growing process right, but along the way I’ve discovered a few tools that I hope might be helpful to you:
· Find your ‘Sweet Spot’- Earlier this week, one of our Sisterhood ladies, Megan, wrote about using a time management sheet. This is a perfect tool. Who knows-the car line at school might be a pocket of time you can use to start with!
· Set a reasonable goal- If you’re starting out, this may be one book per quarter. It may not sound like much, but forward movement is still progress! PS. Don’t compare yourself to someone else’s reading goals :)
· Choose books that include:
o Something that feeds you: spiritually, speaks to your identity, security [in Christ], fortifies the God who choose you
o Something that equips you: pertaining to your calling, ministry, motherhood, being a wife
o Something that challenges you: think outside of the box- successful business leaders, someone whose journey looks different than yours, biographies of historical men and women
· Use what works best for you- maybe a paperback book won’t work for you, but an e-version will. Because I travel a lot, I’ve begun using Audio books. I’ve found this to be some of the best use of my driving time, aside from praying :)
Sisters, we can’t go wrong when we read God’s Word. This is our anchor. It is what grounds us to the God who sees us, knows us, loves us and pursues us. Happy Reading!!!
