
My super sharp 90-year-old neighbor is an insatiable reader. She gives me her finished books by the sackful.
(Lesson one: Reading is probably better for all of us than watching the “idiot box.”)
(Request one: It can be hard to find great books to read. Share your discoveries, please!)
The latest collection delivered to my door included an older novel by Lori Wick entitled “Sophie’s Heart.” It’s the story of a young woman who makes her way from Czechoslovakia to the States and pours her heart into helping a family in need. One particular line, almost unrelated to the plot, stood out to me and has become unforgettable:
“She had written to her grandmother, but she knew the only thing she would hear back from her was encouragement.”
Are you a grandmother (or grandfather, or aunt, or uncle or…)
(Lesson two: Become a voice of encouragement in the lives of young people in your family!)
Chances are you will be tempted at times to guide, discipline, or re-direct. Perhaps on rare occasions that will be appropriate. But, for the most part, that is the job of their parents. You are in an enviable position. You can assume the delightful and oh-so-important role of indefatigable encourager. (But only if you keep in touch with them!)
This takes effort and thought and prayer. What else, though, could be a more important use of your time?
Have you read to this point and asked yourself, “What good is this? I’m not a grandparent at all.” Here is my simple answer: Find someone—I’m thinking someone young, but really any age will do—and make them the recipient of your encouragement. And once you begin, keep it up! You’ll be changing a life and, most likely, cheering yourself up in the process.
“Therefore, encourage one another and build up each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).
A 4 book series that I have found well worth the read is the Healing Ruby series by Jennifer H. Westfall. My lad is es Bible study group was looking for a book series to do a summer book club. If you like books ab and it faith, family, and historical events such as World War 2, this series is sure to please.
Checking it out via Kindle sample now. And I love it when there’s more than one book–keeps me set for reading longer! Thanks for the tip!
I’d love to hear what you think about them.
How wonderful to get books by the sackful. Surely, there’s a gem or two?!
My daughters & sister are in a Family Bookclub. One we thoroughly enjoyed is All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. It’s Historical Fiction based during WW2.
Enjoy!!
Thanks for the recommendation! I’m downloading a Kindle sample now!
Let me know if you like it. One friend didn’t but she’s also Autistic. The writing is different & we noticed the way things were described for the female lead – very interesting from her perspective.