R Is for Reading Your Bible

We are on Day 21 of the April A to Z Blogging Challenge.

I am counting down the days.

I am also continuing on with the theme "Things that make my day better" (or a variation of that!).

My mother-in-law gave me the Bible below many years ago. If this Bible were not in this Bible cover, it wouldn't be together. It is literally held together. This Bible, in this cover, was in the middle of the damage from the fire. The piece of 8 1/2 by 11 paper that was tucked into the Bible was wet . . .the Bible was not. When I took this photo, it looks ashy (is that how you spell ashy?). Discovery is a spiritual weekend for Junior High students put on by High School and College students (plus a lot of adults). My Bible was evidently falling apart in 2004 . . .

I don't know about you . . .but I write in my Bible.

I've seen the Bible where you can actually draw and illustrate. Maybe some day I'll buy one of those.

My two textbooks for my New Testament class are below.

This semester, I’ve been reading the Bible a little differently.

I’m taking a New Testament class, which means a lot of the scripture has quite literally been read to me—slowly (except when I put the speed on 2 haha), thoughtfully, and with intention. There’s something powerful about hearing the words instead of just scanning them on a page. It forces me to sit with them a little longer.

But it’s not just the format that’s different—it’s the depth.

We’ve spent time really digging into the synoptic gospels, noticing the differences, the nuances, the way each writer tells the story with a slightly different lens. I’ve read these passages before—many times—but not like this. Not with such close attention. Not asking these kinds of questions.

And now, as we move further into the New Testament, I can feel that shift continuing. I’m not just reading to check a box or to say I did it for the day (I'll be honest - some times I am). I’m reading to understand. To notice. To wrestle a little.

And it’s making a difference.

Because here’s the truth: reading the Bible is something we know we should be doing. It’s one of those foundational rhythms of faith that we talk about often. We encourage it. We believe in its importance.

And yet… so often, we don’t do it.

Or we start and stop - I've done that a million times. Or we rush through it. Or we let it fall to the bottom of a long list of responsibilities and distractions. Or we read just enough to write our Sunday School lesson or our curriculum for our small group. Life gets full, and somehow this thing that we say matters so much quietly slips to the side.

I get that. I’ve lived that. Sometimes I'm still living it. I am just being totally honest with y'all.

But being in this class has reminded me what a gift it is to stay in the Word—not just occasionally, but consistently. To slow down enough to really see what’s there. To hear familiar stories with fresh ears.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t have to be academic. Most days, it won’t look like a deep textual analysis.

Sometimes it’s just a few verses.

Sometimes it’s reading a passage you’ve read a hundred times and noticing one small thing you never saw before.

Sometimes it’s simply taking the time to open up the Bible or your phone app or your devotion book.

Reading the Bible has a way of grounding us. Of re-centering our perspective. Of reminding us what is true when everything else feels loud or uncertain.

It doesn’t magically fix everything.

But it does make every day better.

And maybe that’s the invitation—especially in a busy season, especially when life feels full—not to add something overwhelming, but to return to something steady.

To open the pages.

To read.

And to let those words, however familiar they may be, meet us right where we are.

I know that everyone who reads my blog is not a Christian. Some of you may not believe in God at all. Please know that you are loved by me no matter what you do or do not do.

If you ever want to talk about it, let me know.

If you are a daily Bible reader, please share some ways you find joy in your reading. It is ok if you want to be honest and tell me you read your Bible so you can check it off your to-do list. No judgment.