Derek went to the library with me on Sunday. He renewed his library card. I picked up a few, new fiction books from publishers I trust. (Baseball season started.)

He was ready to go. I explained, “Now I choose a few titles from nonfiction.”

I started in the 808 section, 747, 620, and Derek thought I had enough. He didn’t know I had three sections to go! I chose 2 out of 332 and one out of 248. In the final section, 158, I picked a book with him in mind…

“Make Your Bed,” by Admiral William H. McRaven, (U.S. Navy Retired)

Out of orneriness, I posted a picture of the book on Facebook. “I checked it out for Derek!” I joked. The number of books I got surprised him. But I only check out as many as I can carry. 😉

The next day, I made my bed as usual. I read the first chapter of the book. Then marched right back in my room and remade my bed!

After reading Admiral McRaven’s reason, I wanted to do my best! He gave an example of a famous man who refused to make his bed. (Read the book!) I did not want to emulate that man!

I set the book aside. This is a note-taking book, not a reading book. I haven’t finished taking notes on “Your Money or Your Life!”

I read for knowledge in many areas. I study wisdom. Proverbs is one book of wisdom in the Bible.

“Many people think that what’s written in the Bible has mostly to do with getting people into heaven…It is equally concerned with living on this earth…on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven everyday living…the art of living skillfully in whatever actual conditions we find ourselves….Wisdom has to do with becoming skillful in honoring our parents and raising our children, handling our money and conducting our sexual lives, going to work and exercising leadership, using words well and treating friends kindly, eating and drinking healthily, cultivating emotions within ourselves and attitudes toward others that make for peace.”

The Message Introduction to Proverbs

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Proverbs 1:1, 2, “These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David’s son, Israel’s king – written down so we’ll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it’s going.” The Message

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Proverbs 1:7, “…Start with God – the first step in learning…” The Message

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Proverbs 3:5, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own.” The Message

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Proverbs 3:21-26, “Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life: don’t for a minute lose sight of them.

(22) They’ll keep your soul alive and well, they’ll keep you fit and attractive.

(23) You’ll travel safely, you’ll neither tire nor trip.

(24) You’ll take afternoon naps without worry, you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.

(25) No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner.

(26) Because God will be right there with you; He’ll keep you safe and sound.” The Message

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