Our home is on a peninsula near Seattle, Washington, so we are surrounded by water. I am blessed to see all kinds of vessels on and around the bay during my drive to town. This got me thinking about how our reading experiences can be similar to boats in their varying conditions. Each of us has our own mighty challenges and personal goals. My intention is NOT for you to compare yourself with others (so resist that urge!), but to take stock of your current circumstances and determine your objectives.
I am certain our family’s attempts at reading have looked like each one of these boats before. Which one best describes your current efforts?
Sails and Achor Down
Parked and Covered
You might relate to this boat if you possess plenty of reading materials that are sitting on the shelf, not getting used. They are collecting dust because your kids are a bit older and have grown out of the desire to read. Or perhaps they haven’t shared in your love of books. You don’t know how or can’t seem to get motivated to help them build an interest in reading. DON’T BE ALARMED. Together we can remind your kids of the fun they’re missing and get them back out on the water!
Going Under!
Smooth Sailing
This is you if reading time feels like a dream! Maybe you’ve hit some rough patches along the way, but your kids are willing and happy to read now. You just want to know how to keep this momentum, especially as they grow older. That is absolutely doable! Our reading sessions will naturally evolve over time, but we should definitely KEEP IT UP. We always want that exhilarating wind filling our sails and whipping through our hair!
The Maverick
In closing, this is simply a light-hearted invitation to be introspective. Identifying areas that need improvement can help us to find solutions. The current state of your reading time is not as important as what you would like it to become. If you’re comfortable, share which boat you feel your reading most resembles right now or what you’d like it to look like in the near future.
Ahoy readers!
I love your analogies, Tawny. A new perspective on reading styles, for sure. It gives pause for thought.
Thank you, Linda! I love reading so much. As you can tell, it’s on my mind a lot! I faithfully bring a book (or two) for my own pleasure reading each time we go to the beach. Alas, the younger kids still need lots of help and attention. I typically only get through a few paragraphs. But we all have fun!
There have definitely been times when it felt like I was in a paddle boat trying to go upwind. There have also been times when it was like being in a canoe on a still lake. The hard thing is that despite your best efforts the weather can change and make things so hard.
Hahaha! Ryan, their interests and willingness do fluctuate quite a bit. I’m proud of you for jumping back in the boat with us, whatever watercraft it happens to be.
So I feel like my boat is parked and covered most days but I try on occasion to set sail in some new waters. I’d hope to get to smooth sailing eventually. Cute analogies. ☺️
Emily, that’s wonderful! You know where you’re at and where you’d like to be. Next, I’d encourage you to make a small goal you can achieve each day. You’ll be sailing in no time!