Over the past month Natalie has developed a habit of “reading” during worship at church. She pulls a Bible out from under the chair and lays it on the seat behind her. Then she opens it up and begins to “read”, chattering to herself and flipping pages while we sing.

It’s pretty adorable, but I’m biased of course.

One Sunday, when I caught sight of her turning pages with a huge smile on her face, it struck me for a different reason…

I wonder, what does my face look like when I open the Book?

Yes, I know she can’t read yet. Her look of joy isn’t because she knows what a gift the Word is. She just loves books.

But I know the incredible privilege it is to have the Word of God in my hands. I know, and yet does my face reflect even half the joy that hers holds?

It hit me hard.

I wish I could say yes, but the truth is that all too often I take the precious gift of God’s Word for granted. And ouch, that hurts to admit.

There was a time, when I was in college, when I couldn’t stand to miss my time in the Word. I was taking Bible classes, doing my own studies, reading through the Bible in a year. I looked forward to reading the Word and I felt like something wasn’t right in my day if I didn’t.

I want to feel that way again.

No more “I’m so busy” or “I’m just tired” excuses. How could that keep me from the Word of God which stands forever (Isaiah 40:8)?

No more compulsory reading without focusing my heart where it should be. How can I not be fully engaged in the Word that is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), alive and active (Hebrews 4:12)?When I open the Book may my face reflect what my heart knows: I hold an immeasurable gift in my hands.

Thank you, Natalie, for the reminder I needed. Someday, when you really can read those pages, may you still smile in pure joy.