I read books as a kid. I was well-versed in Roald Dahl and Bill Watterson and an assortment of other books that featured nice, colorful covers and didn't strain the mind too much. I avoided anything that made it look like I actually enjoyed reading, cause I didn't okay stop asking.
Aside from that, I never wrote or read poems, I never wrote letters, and I had a journal when I was 12 with nine (9) entries that detailed all the cool movies I had seen.
Coinciding with this scarce history with the written word was my own scarce history with spirituality.
My body was present at church, but my mind was not. I was much more logical about how I saw God, and always wanted more.
It wasn't until high school that I found the scratch for that itch.
I was taking an English class where my teacher let us choose the books we would read. One of the requirements was to choose a philosophical book out of a list he provided. After checking the page numbers on Wikipedia, I chose the shortest one: The Screwtape Letters. I was far from spiritual at this point, and saw the book as more of a chore than a chance to become enlightened.
What I found instead was an impressive narrative (if you can call it that) that detailed, quite logically, how Satan might work on men to drive them away from God. It all made such perfect sense, even though I was convinced it wasn't supposed to.
I didn't make changes right away or storm into my bishop's office that very same hour, but I began a path of self-discovery that ended up with me here: an RM, at BYU, who still finds time for colorful books and cool movies.
I understand what you mean when you tend to see spirituality and God logically. It is interesting how literature can lead to a path of self-discovery and personal reflection, it certainly did for me.
ReplyDeleteBill Watterson's creations are one of the few things that I've read and connected with on a personal level. I hope to never lose my inner clavin despite the fact that I continue to grow older physically. Colorful books rock!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how God sees the bigger picture before we can even see around the corner? Our lives are so perfectly pieced together for our growth and benefit. I love how you informed us that you did not want to read 'The Screwtape Letters,' and how you chose it out of necessity. Despite the unlikely odds, your experience with that book changed your life forever. Thanks for the great post!
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