When you go into a used book store you want to purchase books at a discounted rate and hope to find some knowledge within. Maybe you have been handed down a book from a relative or friend but the book looks tattered and worthless; you may never truly think about the people who picked up this book and found inspiration in their own lives. You simply look at the bindings of the books, see words written and highlighted, or corners folded. It may be frustrating because all you want is to read the words from the author but other markings become distracting. You think to yourself “Why would someone write all over this book? This author spent countless hours writing.” The truth is, you can still read the words from the author but the real gift you receive might be the knowledge you are gaining from the thoughts of the person who once owned the book. What they have highlighted is something they found interesting or worthwhile. . . possibly a life lesson they took from the book. Don't worry about the markings; wander about the story.

I've been reading a spiritual inspirational book that has helped open my eyes in many ways but today, I saw markings highlighted from the previous owner. I had been highlighting key scriptures or words that spoke to me but little did I know that on the next page, another person had highlighted words that spoke to them. I read those words over and over. I found comfort that some person took these words, pondered on them and probably acted upon them. As I continued flipping through the pages, I felt a piece of paper briskly fall on my lap from the book. I looked down and saw a connection card from a church. It wasn’t the church that intrigued me but it was the person that once held this book. Who could this person be? What’s their story? Do we see things the same way? I was so in awe of a person I had never come into contact with.

Sometimes we go about life with no care for what other people are going through; we only care about our story or our journey. In all reality, we need to hit the pause button and stop and think about the people around us. We can learn so much from their personal journeys.

Lately it seems that the world has lost values on communication, and lost the spark of inspiration. The problem is as simple as this: We have lost the regard for other human beings. We are self absorbed into our own worlds. It is all about the balance of ourselves, the world/people around us, and our faith.

The next time you pick up a used and tattered book, look for highlighted words and written thoughts. The person who held that book before you has a story and you can learn from the words they found most inspiring.

When you are finished with a book, I hope that you too have left your markings behind. You never know who will be inspired by what you deemed inspirational!