I Am What I Read

I wish I could say that I'm of strong enough character to remain true to myself no matter what. However...I am what I read. Not only that, plots are like a drug to me. And I'm only just realizing this. Let me explain.

When I read the Joann Fluke mysteries, I bake. A lot. The main character in her books is a fun-loving woman who runs a bakery. There are recipes included between chapters and I find myself humming away in the kitchen during most afternoons after having read a few pages of Fluke's new Lake Eden mishaps. I only recently noticed this. I find myself motivated to try new cookies, pastries, etc...and I'm usually in a sunny disposition.

When I read Barbara Colley's mysteries, I clean. A lot. The main character in her books is a no-nonsense maid who's pulled herself up from tragedy, as a single mom, and now owns her own housecleaning business. She is frugal and efficient. She is very self-disciplined and finds a way to serve those around her by using her talents with rubber gloves and a mop. After just a few chapters of Colley's book, I find myself placing my feet firmly on the ground early in the mornings and having a load of laundry and a load of dishes both started before sitting down to my morning cup of energy. I only recently noticed this. I am motivated to get all the housework done without distraction and take pride in my work! I am often exhausted by the end of the day, but with an immense self-satisfaction.

When I read Carol O'Connel's mysteries, I am dark. Excessively. The main character in her books is a cynical female cop who was once a street-orphan and has endured countless heart-tearing tragedies. She trusts no one and is in pursuit of her own gratifying justice, which usually involves the huge gun she carries. When enjoying these books, I find myself seeing the darkness in most situations. I become cynical and sarcastic and often become cold and calculating toward my daily routine, and anyone involved in my daily routine. I only recently noticed this. I am often motivated to stick my nose in other people's business to offer my own negative opinions and am disgruntled when my opinions aren't taken to heart.

When I read Alexander McCall Smith's mysteries, I am always upbeat. The main character in his books is a "traditionally built" African woman who believes in herself when no one else does. She is independent and sees the very best in people. She longs to serve others and is very wise when dealing with the problems of those around her. When engrossed in these pages, I find myself seeing the truth behind people's selfish actions and love them through whatever struggles they are going through. I don't feel the need to burden anyone near me. I am confident and ready to take on the world...with kindness, instead of vengeance. I only recently noticed this. I seem to be self-sufficient and very strong in my character.

You get the idea. I could go on, but...again... You get the idea.

So, can you imagine what happens when I read God's word? I bet you can. The main character in this book is a supernatural being beyond anyone you or I could imagine. He is love; He is light; He is all-knowing; He is enough. When I read His Word daily, I find myself motivated to give; to love; to live right; to smile. I only recently noticed this. I find meaning and purpose and fulfillment and am not swayed in my knowledge and faith in Him. He is everything. And I long to simply live in His light.

It's important that I am careful what I read. Very important. Perhaps I'm the only one who has this weird quirk. But I do. And, because I do, I must make sure I'm reading more Bible than anything else in order to balance the reality of who I am (and WHOSE I am) with that of fiction.