One of my favorite pastimes is reading, and it's been that way since I was a small child. I remember being read to often as a child until I started reading on my own. My taste in books has changed somewhat over the years, but not my desire to sit and enjoy a book or magazine article. Some people might say they don't have the time, but they need to make the time. It's relaxing and you can learn something by just reading a little each day.

It's been said that if you spent thirty minutes a day studying a subject, that within ten years you'd have the equivalent of a Ph.D in that subject. Just who does read? It's been reported that 58% of Americans have never finished reading a book. About 80% of the books that are read each year are read by about 12% of the people. I visit the book stores in the malls a lot and even when possible go to some Christian book stores, so I was surprised to learn that only 1% of all Christians ever visit Christian bookstores.

Someone asked Benjamin Franklin what sort of person he most pitied and Franklin replied, "A lonesome man on a rainy day who does not know how to read." Read to refill the well of inspiration said Harold J. Ockenga, who took a suitcase full of books on his honeymoon (that might be a little too much). There are thousands and thousands of books available, some are good and useful for gaining knowledge and helping us to live and stay happy and healthy. Others are there for entertainment. I think it was Francis Bacon who said, "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested." If you haven't read a book lately, I encourage you to do so. There are hundreds of titles and subjects to choose from at our local library, pay them a visit, you might find you enjoy it and it won't cost you a dime.

Personally, between the wife and I, we have books all over the house, in both bathrooms, bedrooms, family room, and sometimes even the kitchen. Reading is good for your mind to stay alert, good for your spirit to stay happy, good for your body to help you stay healthy, and good for your soul.