Last Friday afternoon on my way home from work I stopped at the public library. As I browsed the shelves I came across a section titled “Gentle Reads.” The collection was described as books to calm and nurture the reader amidst challenging times. There were a range of genres including non-fiction, mysteries and a variety of novels. As I looked at the display I appreciated the acknowledgment of the challenging time we live in both individually and collectively. Secondly, I appreciated their invitation to a respite from the daily. I took their invitation and am currently enjoying a novel about a bookstore. I am grateful for the invitation to a respite I didn’t realize I needed.
The days in which we are living are filled with challenges personally, locally, nationally and internationally. These are challenges which weigh heavily and don’t always have a clear answer as we try to find our way forward. We offer prayer and do what we can within our own lives, cities and countries. In the midst of our doing, we all need moments of respite that allow us to catch our breath. Maybe it is a short walk, a favorite song, a movie, or time with another person. As we each navigate the challenges of our lives and the world, I pray we each find a moment of respite to provide calm and nurture our soul.