Enjoying life is a great gift, but sometimes the stresses of life rob us of our joy. Often when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I curl up with a book and become lost in a good story. While reading, darkness is dispelled by imaginative authors who employ humor as they create characters with unique personalities. These talented authors lure readers into a positive world that provides a temporary escape from trouble and pain.
During an extended stay with our younger daughter as she valiantly battled cancer, relatives and friends joined us in reading and sharing stories. These entertaining stories lifted spirits and the sun seemed to peek through the dark clouds of fear.
Alexander McCall Smith, author of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, is one of the talented authors whose works we chose to read. We laughed our way through Mma Ramotswe’s hilarious adventures at her very own detective agency in Botswana while trying to guess how she would arrive at solutions.
Another series we enjoyed was The Mitford Series by author, Jan Karon. Ministers’ spouses and/or children in our little group could easily identify with Father Tim as he dealt with situations and people in his church. While laughing at the way he handled unusual problems, we rooted for him to find a wife.
I will always be aware of the power of these stories to relieve stress and provide joy during that very stressful time.
“A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe."~ Madeleine L’Engle
