Is reading a dying hobby? In an era of ultimate distraction, reading should be viewed as much more than just a hobby. The benefits of reading are truly astounding: Lowers blood pressure, helps brain function, and improves sleep to name a few. The pivot in perspective has always been beneficial for my own heart and mind, which in turn is good for those around me that I am trying to love well.
Mamas, I know you may feel you have zero time to read. Not everyone is a night-owl and if you're like me, some days, all you want is a shower. Un-interrupted. And then there's the siren song of the smart-phone. Easy and quick entertainment. But disciplining myself(oh but it's a process) to choose to read over scroll has surprisingly been one of the most valuable disciplines in my motherhood.
Reading has been an impactful way for me to bond with my children. It cultivates conversation, it's free, gives us all a chance to breathe, to learn something new and when we spend time in someone else's shoes, it changes us. For the better. I am not anti-technology but anything powerful needs restraint. The internet can be likened to a fire: it can bring warmth and ambiance to your home but without management it can also burn the house down. Reading for me has curtailed the desire to only and always Google search.
The winter my oldest daughter was seven, she had a hard go of it. A brand new baby brother plus covid restrictions not only brought forth less time with mama but less time with people and just more loss in general. We found this book series called The Penderwicks. This may sound a little dramatic but it did indeed change our relationship, helped me further cherish being a mom and her own reading skills began to soar. I will never forget shutting ourselves in my bedroom to finish just a little more. Giggling and cuddling and crying. And in my mind I was praising and thanking God for the privilege to raise her to know and love Him.
Not a reader but want to be? Start small. Read on your phone while stuck in traffic or waiting at the doctor's office or drying your hair. Institute 20 minutes of quiet reading for you and the kids. You're still together and it's never a bad thing to learn the discipline of focusing. If your kids are like mine, snacks help or puzzles. Sometimes my babes seem so thankful just to sit near me for twenty minutes. Peaceful moments that we may all just be yearning for.
Here me when I say, I do not want this post to be another should-be for mom's. In fact, that is why I'm so passionate about mommas reading more. It is a tool to combat some comparisons. To stop the running anxiety-producing-narratives in our brains that we need to eat more organic or clean our homes better or buy those fashionable pants or whatever it is that is contributing to the thought that we don't but should have it all together. The so called non-stop infotainment culture. Reading brings to mind that life is hard but also helps us to distinguish what is good. What is true and beautiful in life. Reading is not wasted time but gained pleasure, encouragement. Knowledge and discernment.
Moms we need all these things. Our kids want time with us and want to learn and experience the world alongside us. Read more, scroll less, my challenge to you and myself. Happy Mother's Day! Here are six books that were pivotal in my motherhood.
The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson is my go-to when I need encouraged and reminded that Motherhood is holy, eternal work. It was such a timely read when my twins were toddlers and I felt so un-seen. This book powerfully reminds us that God is for us and that the work we do as mom's matters greatly to Him.
If you don't know Heidi St. John you are missing out. She is passionate and bold, funny and wise. She has had a profound impact on my motherhood and my faith, she strongly values the word of God and family. Becoming MomStrong: How to Fight With All That Is In You For Your Faith and Family is well written, entertaining but laced with humility and encouragement. Heidi casts a vision for motherhood as precious yet serious work.
Keeping Your Kids on God's Side: 40 Conversations to Help Them Build A Lasting Faith by Natasha Crain is a yearly read for me. This book has changed me as a mom and has bolstered my Christian convictions. It is my go-to starting resource for teaching children(and parents) apologetics. Natasha Crain is so in tune with the culture and regularly presents parents with tools to discuss hard topics with our kids.
I've had the privilege of meeting September McCarthy and hearing her speak. She embodies compassion and wisdom. A mother of 10, her words in Why Motherhood Matters are infused with grace and discernment. Her stories are genuine and profound but she still comes across as down-to-earth and in your corner. She helped me reconsider some of the blind spots in my own parenting. So worth the read, you will love every page.
The author of this book has hands down, had the greatest impact on my motherhood. And actually she taught me how to tie my shoes, the Bible, how to scream the loudest on a rollercoaster, logic what a good wife looks like and so much more that I don't have the time or space for. Turns out
Not So Great Expectations: Don't Believe Everything You Think by Christine Deken was written by my very own mama. Call me biased but others have attested that her writing is good and her insight is unerring. Expectations are so important for discernment for recognizing reality and to decipher what we should place our hope in.
Buy Here
I've already mentioned
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall and it is oh so good. Reminds me of the good old days, namely,
my childhood. Portrays a simple, fun, loyal family as a true gem. Filled with humor and adventure and characters that leap off the pages. My oldest and I have read through the series twice. It will always be one of my topnotch fiction recommendations.
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