| Page by Page |
| by Andrew Alvarado |
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When I consider picking up a book. I have a reason in mind.
One of them is for self-improvement. Though, it doesn’t have to be a book that was made specifically for that
purpose. This can be done with many kinds of genres. And, believe it or not, it actually requires the use of my
imagination.
Will Smith once said in an interview, “I do not believe in getting trapped in a pattern when you recognize the
pattern.”
Well, we all make mistakes. Nobody’s perfect. However, it’s one thing to stumble because you didn’t know any better,
or you because weren’t prepared for making the best decision possible. And it’s another thing to know what you should
do to overcome and endure obstacles (situations that call for action on your part), and to ignore that wisdom in life.
How does this tie in to reading a book? Well, I’ve discovered that some wisdom is gained by life-experience. Other
truths are learned from the people around me. And yet, other truths have been given to me by God.
When I read a book, I try to relate the character’s dilemma to my own. How is their situation similar to mine? How
did they approach the problem in front of them? Did they succeed? If not, why?
Obviously, the pattern they fell into had an outcome. They were faced with a problem, and they endured it. They
succeeded, or they failed. They made the best choices possible in living out their life, or they fell short of living out
their full potential. What can I learn from this? Even though I may never run into this type of scenario, at least I’ll be
ready.
To become an individual of noble character, someone who is kind, compassionate, humble, peaceful, strong in
character, who is full of love and has a drive that honors God in everything I do, I must take on the mindset and equip
myself with the wisdom that person has.
So the next time you pick up a book, remember, whether it’s a comedy, a drama, a fantasy novel, or a history book
with a reality that’s already unfolded, fiction or non-fiction, there’s a possibility that you can learn from what the
author wrote....an opportunity to develop who you are. In turn, I’m sure you’ll meet a joy that’s unique. Something
special that will transform the way you impact the world around you. Because your life can also be a blessing to others.
Even if you don’t need to apply what you see, someone else may need that clarity. Remember how I said that wisdom
can be obtained by learning from the people around you? What if you were that person that could pay it forward? That
could help someone else when they may need the answers you already have? Think about it........It’s an art that carries
into our reality.
I believe that you can be the hero of your own story. And each day is like a new page being written in the story of
your life. Personally, I believe that I can’t go at it alone. I need the God I serve. And I appreciate the people He has
placed in my life to help me along. Even if those people simply sat down-at one point or another, to create....a book.