I've been going through my books today. Culling. Putting aside. Taking to McKay's. Listing for sale on Amazon. It's pretty humbling, as I have looked at lots of books and known that I was never going to take the time to read them, or that I bought them in a pretentious moment, a moment when I thought it would be cool-enhancing to have read it, a moment when I was pretending. Or even if the intention to read was real and true and good, facing so many books that I hadn't read was just stumbling. And hard. It's hard to face some of the bad stuff about yourself--I guess that's why I avoid cleaning or fixing--I'm avoiding reality. I'd rather be gasping on about how I don't have time to do anything. I'd rather be out drinking coffee. I'd rather be complaining about how much is going on in my life right now. I'd rather be babysitting. I'd rather be wasting time or money. Preferably both.
The books have made me think about people. All the pop culture books reminded me of B---. All the books she gave brought her to the front of my mind, along with all the moments of laughter and grace. All the Henri Nouwen books reminded me of S----. I pulled a colouring book page out of one book and it was signed 'A------ D------.' All the student development books reminded me of something that I wanted and once again I'm humbled, seeing that it is really good that I didn't get it.
But it is really good to be getting rid of stuff. No, I'm not suicidal. Just wanting to live in a simpler way. Streamlined. Organized. Getting rid of stuff I don't need.
Posted by mike at November 27, 2004 12:24 AMbetter. thanks.
and though this is a serious entry, i had to smile b/c of the great deal of angst that came when i almost bought another book @ lifeway this afternoon. (none of my fall reads made it in the ol' suitcase.)
Posted by: amt at November 27, 2004 12:40 AMWho shops at McCay's anymore they are being suied for treating persons with dissibalities unfairly. They have let a number of workers and a manager go over the course of the last year and a half because of this been in the news. If you read what are you reading???
Posted by: Randy Newport at November 29, 2004 12:02 PMsimple is good, i'm winnowing here too. my theology has grown in the past 20 years, i can't believe some of the stuff we still had in boxes in the attic. i'm almost embarrassed to sell some of them!
Posted by: bobbie at November 29, 2004 03:30 PM