Years ago, a friend of mine told me about a habit of his
involving his schedule. At periodic, and nevertheless intentional times, he
calendars what he calls “Library Days.” Soon
after he told me about this, I adopted the practice as well as the name.
What is a Library Day?
It is a day set aside for reflection. I surround myself with various forms of literature, my laptop, white legal pads, and a few snacks(Please do not tell the librarian, for I am usually sitting in a “no food allowed” section of the library.) As a Christian, such periods of reflection involve prayer and reading the Scriptures. I always have my 0.5 mm Pentel P205 at the ready.
I read. I write. I pray.
I fall asleep.
I wake up.
I read. I write. I plan.
I read. I snack. (Again, please do not tell the librarian.)
I write. I prepare.
Somewhere along the way, the morning’s chai tea and the snack-accompanying drinks of water, require that I arise from my spot of study. As I make my way through the halls and rows of books, I see others reading, writing, falling asleep, and even snacking. (Returning the favor, I do not report them to the librarian.) As I walk, I also wonder. What are my fellow readers reading?
I see some patrons looking as if their presence is accomplishing their goal of killing time. I see others appearing to discover places of employment that best suit their abilities.
I also see children. And I am reminded of other Library Days of a different variety.
As a father of three, over the years, I have spent much time
in the buildings which bear books, mostly on Mondays. Upon the carpet squares
and Art Deco beanbags, I read about Mr. Brown and Mrs. Brown going out of town
and of Frog encouraging Toad to be brave. I read of bears snoring on and gray
days when nothing moved and circus seal days. I laughed (“Shh! People are reading.”) through the pages where
the pig talks to a spider and a swan plays the trumpet. As my children grew, as
they continue to do, the books grew longer and the pictures fewer. (I must admit that I still enjoy the
pictures!)
Oh, how I loved those alphabet-carpet-square Library Days!
What is it about libraries? How can it be that professionals looking for professions and time-killers executing time enjoy the same space? How can it be that a pastor looking for a restroom and a preschooler utilizing his diaper instead, can somehow relate to the same building?
What is a Library Day?
It is a day set aside for reflection. I surround myself with various forms of literature, my laptop, white legal pads, and a few snacks(Please do not tell the librarian, for I am usually sitting in a “no food allowed” section of the library.) As a Christian, such periods of reflection involve prayer and reading the Scriptures. I always have my 0.5 mm Pentel P205 at the ready.
I read. I write. I pray.
I fall asleep.
I wake up.
I read. I write. I plan.
I read. I snack. (Again, please do not tell the librarian.)
I write. I prepare.
Somewhere along the way, the morning’s chai tea and the snack-accompanying drinks of water, require that I arise from my spot of study. As I make my way through the halls and rows of books, I see others reading, writing, falling asleep, and even snacking. (Returning the favor, I do not report them to the librarian.) As I walk, I also wonder. What are my fellow readers reading?
I see some patrons looking as if their presence is accomplishing their goal of killing time. I see others appearing to discover places of employment that best suit their abilities.
I also see children. And I am reminded of other Library Days of a different variety.
As a father of three, over the years, I have spent much time
in the buildings which bear books, mostly on Mondays. Upon the carpet squares
and Art Deco beanbags, I read about Mr. Brown and Mrs. Brown going out of town
and of Frog encouraging Toad to be brave. I read of bears snoring on and gray
days when nothing moved and circus seal days. I laughed (“Shh! People are reading.”) through the pages where
the pig talks to a spider and a swan plays the trumpet. As my children grew, as
they continue to do, the books grew longer and the pictures fewer. (I must admit that I still enjoy the
pictures!)Oh, how I loved those alphabet-carpet-square Library Days!
What is it about libraries? How can it be that professionals looking for professions and time-killers executing time enjoy the same space? How can it be that a pastor looking for a restroom and a preschooler utilizing his diaper instead, can somehow relate to the same building?
What is it about that literary space?
Go see for yourself. Enjoy a Library Day.
#ordinarylives
No comments:
Post a Comment