Treasures From The Bookshelf

Philippians 4:10 – But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. (KJV)

I love books. I love to read them and touch them, especially old books. I love to caress their covers and try to imagine how many hands have held them before. I love to give books to people and share in their sheer pleasure. I love to read to little people, to giggle and snarl and whisper soft words. And I love to haunt second hand bookstores.

It is hard to believe that what is a treasure to me, has been turned in because someone didn't want it, especially when it is a Bible, like the one I found today. Soft, sleek, weathered leather graces the cover of the little book containing the New Testament, complete with the book of Psalms at the back. Some scriptures are marked, and it seems to be the sort of Bible that would have belonged to a chaplain whose main ministry was done "on the move".

The little Bible cost less than a dollar. Sales from the bookstore support the literacy program in our community. There is no better book for a literate person to read — or to share with an illiterate person who may wish to hear the word. How important it is for us to have a Bible available. This one fits perfectly in the protection of my glove compartment and accompanies a little prayer book I also found. No longer will I long for something to read while waiting in ferry lineups. Many times I've wished I could remember a certain Psalm in its entirety, or missed an opportunity to back up a verse when discussing God's word. To carry this New Testament in my car is truly a treasure from a bookshelf and good reason to "rejoice greatly".

Prayer: We give thanks to you, Oh Lord, for the places and opportunities you provide for us to find your word. We especially give thanks for the opportunity to be living in a country where we can read and carry your word freely. To you we offer our thanks. Amen.