Into the Fire

Reading novels is an escape. It's not always why we read them, but it is a factor. While I believe some of life's greatest truths are told in the pages of fiction, we go to those stories to step into the lives of someone else. Do we "feel" like we can identify with their emotional responses to whatever circumstances they encounter? Do we long to "know" them better – as if we've discovered new friends? Does their story ring true to something we've experienced or perhaps imagined? Do we gain something from reading about the lives of the characters – like courage to face dilemmas, our fears, our hopes or dreams? Are we annoyed or angered by character actions? Do we cheer for our heroes and heroines?

Do we simply get away from the strife of our lives for those hours spent in a story? Is the escape worth it?

I can't express how much I love a good novel. Part of that is because of where it takes me. When the journey is worth the time spent between those pages – well, it's amazing and I can't get enough of it.

Father, thank you for your authors, for the inspiration you provide, all that you do for those of us who write stories. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.