Wow. Let me tell you something, if you've never read C.S. Lewis, WHAT ON ON MIDDLE EARTH ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! (hee hee. Yes, I know I'm obsessed. Pointy-eared elves are my Prrrecccioussssss...) ANYWAY...
I've been reading Miracles by the aforementioned Lewis, and it's GREAT!
Liz on the unending metro escalator, DC
God has given me an insight into the way I can love him the easiest. It's kinda complicated, so pay attention! Okay, I'm a reader and a writer, and I love words and fantasy and creating new worlds and stuff. And I was thinking about what I do when I read a really awesome, fantastic book.
I recommend it to everybody!
Now, why on earth would I do that? Well, for several reasons. First of all, for myself. I love having an in-depth conversation with people about a good book and giving my own views (which anyone will know who has had a discussion with me about the alchemical symbolism in Harry Potter). Second, for the other person's enjoyment--I know that I loved the book, so I want them to enjoy it, too.
But in a way, these are only minor reasons. The big reason is, I feel that I owe it to the author.
Now that may seem strange, but bear with me a minute. When I read a really great book, I want to meet the person who wrote it and get to know them. If I read about a fantastic world, I want to know the person from whose mind it came. And being a writer myself, I know that I absolutely love feedback from readers (that's why I love to write fanfiction on fanfiction.net! You get reviews!), and I particularly love it when I really get to know my readers. So, because I myself want to know authors and as an author I know that I love it when I get to know my readers, the reason I recommend books to others is because I feel I owe it to the author, out of a mutual love for them and for their work.
Alright, now here's where it fits into theology--or more personally, my love story with Christ. God is the greatest author there ever was--the Author of my hope, Writer of the greatest story ever told, and Inventor of the world, and in fact, of all worlds! So, because I love his work--his scripture, the stories of human life and the world he has created, not to mention all the fabulous characters and settings that have populated history--I love Him. I want to know him more and more. And I share him with others because, not only do I want to be able to discuss him with them, and I know it will bring them Joy, but mostly I feel I owe it to such a Genius (literally, the God who brings life). And I want to know him more and more as the author of my own story. And I know that he wants to be in a real and loving relationship with me, his reader and his creation. And I know that because I am (as Tolkein put it) a sub-creator, a fanfiction writer, making up fantastical worlds all based off of his real one. That's how I can love God the best.
Washington Monument, from the Jefferson Monument
"What really knocks me out is a book that, when you're all done reading it, you wish the author that wrote it was a terrific friend of yours and you could call him up on the phone whenever you felt like it." -J.D. Salinger, writer
PS: If you're looking for good candy in the post-Easter sales, may I recommend Starburst jelly beans? The green apple are particularly delicious.
Munchies in the Smithsonian Castle. They need more chairs.
