A stupid grin I've earned.

A few months ago, I was lucky enough to be lent a book. It was a gift of sorts, which was given to me with an enclosed card and message. The intent was not only for me to read it, but more so to share in the enjoyment that the book had given to its owner. Like most things in my life, especially books, it went on my bookshelf and there it would stay for the past several months.

Fast forward to last week. It may be one of several reasons; maybe it’s my worsening speech, maybe my inability it understand certain English words, or maybe the way I find myself reading articles without really understanding them, but I found myself eager to read again. This is an urge I have not had in years. Of course I can blame a number of things for my lack of interest in books, however in the end I think we all make time for that which we enjoy. At 23, I doubt there are many of my peers reading out of passion anymore. Instead we would prefer to go out, or watch some television, or frankly distract ourselves in a million ways… Reading is just not a priority. However if one were to ever question just why I didn’t read more, I would hesitate and respond as many others would with: “well… I just don’t have time to.”

So back to last Monday, there I stood examining my bookcase, and I took down the lent book. This would be the first book I would choose to read in over a year. From a practical side this was a fantastic first read. Just scratching at 150 pages, this would be something quick, painless. Not some 700-page epic I would get sick of in a day. I knew if I would spend a week on it, there would be an end, closure, some form of accomplishment. It may sound stupid, but I can guarantee you that the facial expression you would find on anyone in my position, would be nothing short of a marathon finishers photo, when the last page was read. A stupid grin. I stupid grin I earned.

The person who lent it to me often speaks of how much they miss learning. For them this statement means going back to school. It means being able to soak in all the little things that they thought they might never know. A genuine love of learning. Today many of us blame thing like the Internet and television with the current state of education in this country. I have on several occasions heard my professors state that: “these outlets stupefy our youth.” I can’t do that. I am a result of these outlets for better or worse. The Internet, television, and everything in between raised me. However, information from any outlet should be questioned. Learn from it. And know that every outlet has endless potential.

For now I’m going to hold onto this grin I have on my face, because I earned it. And I must say it’s been years since any outlet has made me feel so accomplished. I encourage you to rethink just how satisfying starting and ending a book may be. As for those who care about in-between, I highly suggest:

“A Man Without A Country” by Kurt Vonnegut.