Inspirational Treasures by Dorothy Nimchuk
“Me look you book, Mama,” Lynn picked up the old volume with worn cover and started Leafing through its pages.
“If you don’t tear it,” admonished Mother warningly. “That’s a Bible, Honey, the Word of God,” she explained, “and we must be very careful how we handle it.”
Lynn settled down, flipping the pages, looking at pictures. Mother thought with pride how she had always respected and regarded the Word. Never was another book placed on top of it–unheard of! Dust was never allowed to adorn its cover. Most of the pages were still in fine condition in spite of its age–why, some of them had never even been opened. The book held an honored position on the shelf in the living room. Sometimes it lay open on the coffee table, as though someone had been reading and left it there. It gave a good effect to the room, especially when the pastor called…
“Mama read book,” demanded small Lynn.
Mother glanced at the open page and read the first verse which caught her eye. “Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11). It was like a knife to her heart, an accusation that burned into her very soul. How much of this precious Word was “hid in her heart”? An occasional story read to the children? A few hurried chapters read on Sabbath morning so she would have something to report in class?
Pride fell away like a ragged garment. Shame took its place. On her knees Mother made her peace with God and determined that Bible reading would become an integral part of her existance.