Books and Patience

I, for the longest time, was not a reader. I didn't like to read. In fact, most of the time when I read a book it made me feel dumb and slow. My mind would always wonder and the books could not keep my attention.

As an adult I have come to enjoy reading a little bit more. Probably because I get to pick what I want to read now. The problem I have now is the time to read. But I am learning to manage my time for me a little bit better.

I just finished (today in fact) a book my cousin gave to me called 'Redeeming Love' by Francis Rivers. This is an amazing book. It is a christian/inspirational love story about a girl who overcomes her horrid past and how God's love and grace can truly be forgiving. The book is based off of the story of Hosea and Gomer in the bible.

When I first started reading this book I really didn't want to go any further than the prologue. It was very depressing and sad to read about this little girl and all the pain she was going through. I contacted my cousin and asked why on earth she would give me such a horrible book. She told me to just keep reading and I did. And I am so glad I did.

I can relate so much to this woman in the book. Granted my childhood was no where near the tragedy of hers but many things that happened to her has also happened to me. So I completely understand her emotions and anger and her desire to keep them tucked away inside.

The ending of the book, however, is what really hit home with me today.

If you have been reading my blog you know that I have been trying to realize what I am supposed to be doing with my life. Which direction should I take.

At the end of the book this woman is based with the same problem. Not knowing where to go, she finally turns to God. (Which my previous blog explains how I just did the same thing.) And then she was patient and waited for an answer. And God presented the opportunity.

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

I don't know why but it just hit me after reading this book. I swear it was like he whispered that in my ear right when I closed the book.

So I made the decision to give into Him and be patient. (Oh my mother would be thrilled!) I realize there are probably many things that have to fall into places in order for God to present me my opportunity. And just like everything else, those things take time.

So thank you to my sweet cousin for passing this book along to me. You knew more than I how much I needed it!