Today is a good time to commit to being a reader because reading does something good for the world. My children grew up watching PBS. This means they heard things like, “take a look it’s in a book, a reading rainbow” and “having fun isn’t hard if you’ve got a library card.” From an early age I wanted them to read and to develop a love of reading. It wasn’t until they were a little older that I taught them that reading was powerful because it does something good for the world.
Books are good for:
- Education
- Entertainment
- Community Building
Education
If you want to learn something, pick up a book. No matter what it is, you can learn about it in a book. when you are thinking about books, don’t limit yourself to paper volumes in the library. Keep in mind you can get most books in electronic form. E-books can be downloaded to your phone in a matter of seconds. The book you need is never far from your reach. This means that you can always learn something. In addition, you can also teach someone something in mere seconds. So when it comes to learning, take a look in a book.
Entertainment
Often people hate reading because they have been forced to read things that don’t interest them. If you are one of those people, start looking at reading a different way. Stop reading things people tell you are good for you. Instead, start reading things you like. If you like sports read about sports. If comic superheroes thrill you, get some graphic novels, and read them. No matter what interests you, read about it, and be entertained. Once you are entertained, share the joy and entertainment with others.
Community Building
When you find a cause that matters to you. Read a book about it and then take that knowledge to your community. There is always a book you can use the knowledge to make the world around you a better place. One of my favorite sayings from the Civil Rights Movement is “each one teach one.” You can use this idea to make your community better. Read a book, learn what needs to be done, then start teaching others. As you teach others you can work together to make the world a better place.
Today is a great day to commit to reading and make the world a better place in the process. The question for you this sensational day is, what will you read today?