“Reading maketh a full man,” says Francis Bacon.
I owe my deepest sense of gratitude to my God, who taught me to read and gave me a deep-seated desire for reading. I began my reading hobby during my formation period, through the reading of the lives of saints and engaging the mind in holy thoughts. As a junior sister, when I began my religious life, the search for the meaning of life too began. Faced with unexpected suffering and failures, I found my comfort in reading books. Spiritual reading books on prayer and on the love of God were my constant companions. In my quest for self-knowledge, I spent all my free time reading self-help books and motivational books. It gave me lot of joy to know and understand and accept myself.
Slowly books began to transform my outlook towards God (Love), life and others. As I read and relished, I found a growing thirst for more and more variety of authors, poets, philosophers and their understanding of God, life, love, suffering etc. Reading good books and ruminating them shaped my thoughts, feelings and actions. I found myself becoming more and more free and responsible. I felt books are my spiritual guides. I fully agree with Charles W. Eliot, who says, “Books are the most accessible and wisest counselors and the most patient teachers.”
Reading reduces stress. “In moments of darkness we return to books, to find words for what we already know” (Alberto Manguel). Yes, whenever I found myself confused and disheartened, I would open my mini-library and pick up a book, read and feel fresh and boosted to be an optimistic person.
Sr Nambikkai Kitheri SAP
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