Y’all. Last month I hosted my very first book club.
I know! As much as I love to read, how is it even possible that I have never participated in a book club!?
When I first mentioned to Peter that I wanted to have a book club at our house once a month, he looked at me like I was a little bit off my rocker. (Which, admittedly, I am sometimes.)
His response was, “Ok. But you’re such a nerd.”
Duh! I’ve always been a nerd – that’s not news to anyone around here.
So I put out the call on Facebook: Who wants to be part of an in-person book club?
I shared a little about the book I had chosen and surprisingly, several people jumped at the opportunity.
I think there were several factors at play. First, we are all just over this whole COVID thing. I get that COVID is real – I do. But isolation has really done a number on people and we are feeling the effects. We are wanting to hang out together and see each other in person for longer than a few minutes. We want community – and frankly, we can’t live without it.
Also, the book I had chosen was intriguing. Share Your Stuff, I’ll Go First lends itself to some amazing discussions. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend that you do. Then start your own book club!
So our little book club got started last month.
And It. Was. So. Fun.
We laughed and talked and teared up and shared about our pasts. We learned so much about each other. It was good for my soul.
And what I thought would last maybe an hour and a half turned into a three hour gab session. It was glorious and exactly what I needed.
After my friends left for the night, Brienne, who was still up doing school work, turned to me and said:
“Mom, I could hear you laughing from downstairs. I never hear you laugh except maybe at the dinner table. It was really good to hear that.”
Her statement made my breath catch in my throat.
I think I’ve forgotten how to take time and laugh. To be silly. To enjoy the people around me.
So often I find myself going from one task to another, checking things off my to-do list, finishing up chores, thinking about school work, parenting all the children, and frankly, I find myself too exhausted by the demands on my time and emotional energy.
And there is no time for fun. For laughter.
But now I’ve got at least one thing on my calendar every month that is bound to bring joy and laughter into my life. My sweet book club!
I know a book club isn’t for everyone – I totally get it. But maybe there is something in your soul that feels neglected. Maybe you’ve laid down a hobby that you need to pick back up. Maybe you need to go for a walk a few times a week to help ground you amidst the stress and chaos that surrounds you.
Or maybe you need a book club full of friends to laugh with and share life with.
Whatever it is, find something fun and life-giving for yourself! And let me know what you are doing to gain a little fun in your life.