“You need to learn to expand your horizons.” This is definitely one of the most common phrases that I utter as a parent, particularly in regards to food. However recently it has taken on new meaning in our school. It’s easy to read books that we are interested in, and it’s quite difficult to read books that we are not interested in.

So should we?

The most difficult book I read somewhat recently, was Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry. It was the first time in a long time that I struggled to read. I couldn’t stand the main character’s presumed humble wisdom, and the conclusions drawn to rabid agnosticism were painful to say the least (clearly I am still annoyed). But I feel so thankful to have worked through the book, and it was work. It made me think about truth. It made me bear with the weaknesses of the character. It humbled me. Suffice it to say, I had expanded my horizons.

Part of my job as a parent is to teach my children that if you only learn what you are comfortable learning, you can’t really grow. And part of growing, is shaking off the tethers of intellectual pride, and sitting at the table with difficult people. If our roots are deep in the ground of truth we can enjoy so many more books!

Read on.