It occurred to me today as I was irascible and casting about for something to do (I've disallowed trips to the book store because I can't fit my books on the shelves available now) that if I loved God one-tenth as much as I obviously love books, I would not only have ascended Mount Carmel, but I'd have gone back and brought my buddies with me.
As you are all well aware, that hasn't happened. So instead of feeling bad about it, I suppose I should carefully examine the gift God has given me in my great love for books. Perhaps in understanding what exactly I love, I will be better able to move closer to Him.
Too often we leave unexamined what has become routine or ordinary. We never look beyond the surface of what is to discover the spiritual "why." Perhaps it is in the discovery of this why that we are freed to move forward.
I don't know, but I am most hopeful. God made me this way for a reason--now I simply need to seek His purpose in those most intimate channels where love speaks to the heart. Eventually love will speak to Love in those same channels if I only allow it.
Excellent point about "never look(ing) beyond the surface of what is to discover the spiritual 'why.'"
Personally, I've found some joy in passing along some of my very favorite, coveted, and even, antiquarian books. It's hard but it feels right.
I've come to understand that on the ladder to sainthood I shan't look up or look down. Looking up leads to despair, as well as fear for the suffering that will be required. Looking down leads to pride or undue comfort.
Mornings are inspirational because they are for me the personal "rainbow" that proves that God cleans the slate and starts anew with us.
Perhaps you should spend less time on your love of books and more on your love of Linda and Samuel. They are better than any of the books on your shelves; they were each created by God in His own image and placed into your life by His hand.