My first year of college is over. I've moved in with my pageant director, Judy, for the next three weeks to prepare for the Miss Oklahoma pageant. During this time, I've been able to spend time engaging in one of my favorite hobbies: reading. I don't know how many of you knew me as a younger girl, but I could almost always be spotted with my nose in a book or carrying around several books in between reading them. The last few years, high school and then college happened and the only books I had time to read were devotionals and literature for classes. Now that I have some spare time, I spend much of it happily engrossed in five to six books- even while on the treadmill.
I just finished Louisa May Alcott's Little Women (for the umpteenth time) and began on another of her works, An Old-Fashioned Girl. How such books as these brighten my spirits! Books can be such friends if only you will allow them to. Anyway, An Old-Fashioned Girl has helped recall to mind the virtues and character qualities so vital to the kingdom we are preparing to go to. Sometimes it feels as if I have a little plant growing in my heart whose petals begin to fade after too much harsh light from earthly wisdom and worldy views. It only takes a foray into the gentle heart of my Savior through kindred spirits and eternal wisdom for the petals go glow again and to resume growth as before. It is such a marvel to me that the book is still relevant today to those girls who have chosen the path towards eternity in this journey of life. Polly, the main character, goes above and beyond the call of duty in selflessly giving of herself to her friends and family. She is modest yet beautiful, spirited yet tranquil. She is content in all her circumstances, and possesses an inner hope that is lovely to behold and read about. Guidebooks (though fictional) like these are such sweet reminders of what Jesus is looking for in us, His children.
