I can picture laying on the bed in the front room of my grandma’s lake cottage reading books while the sun made the reflection of the water dance on the ceiling. As a child, I read many books in that spot but none as all-encompassing as “Where the Red Fern Grows”. Spoiler alert: I was all in and my heart hurt for weeks after finishing it. I still get a little tug in my soul as I think of the great love and devotion that they had for one another.
Old Dan and Little Ann still live vividly in my mind. As a dog lover, I was in the story with them. Completely understanding the intertwined relationship between Billy and his dogs. Trying to wrap my head around the choices that were made and always hoping that everything would be alright as the trio experienced life in harrowing ways.
I didn’t want the story to end. A good book can stir endless emotions, allow you to imagine another world, draw you into the experiences of different places and times while taking you on a compelling and possibly life-changing journey.
This past weekend, we presented 5 young people their first big kid Bible. What an honor and privilege to present them with the book that was given to us to guide us through all of life's joys and challenges. The living word of God. It has everything we want in a good book; a strong opening, compelling characters, an absorbing story, sharp dialogue, and a life-altering conclusion.
Spending time Sunday afternoon with these children and their parents as they begin their own journey into this sacred book was priceless. The stories in the Bible have been handed down from generation to generation and we are continuing this holy mission. We learned that God is speaking to us from not just one book but a collection of 66 books. The Bible is like a diary, a newspaper, a map, and a photo album all rolled into one. It is our guide in faith and life.
What is your favorite book in the Bible? Is there a time or place that you like to sit with God’s word?
This is the book that keeps on giving. We don’t need to be sad when it ends. The good news is that it is meant to be shared. Don’t keep the ending to yourself. No spoiler alerts here. We welcome the transformative message of the grace of God in Jesus Christ and continue to learn, share, and grow through the words of God throughout our lives both individually and as a community.
As we approach Holy week, revisit the story of Jesus in the coming days. Let the news of our salvation and his unconditional love sink into your soul. Read it. Hear it. Embrace it.
One does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Mathew 4:4
God’s peace always,
Angie Seiller, Director of Faith Formation