Going without a Bible

I went without my Bible for a few days.

Woah now, before you start judging, (I know that I'm in Africa and I'm supposed to be a light)

I still read the Bible, I just didn't have my copy.
I had left it behind by accident at the Mission. I wasn't able to retrieve it for a few days.

Even though I was able to find another Bible to borrow for a bit, it wasn't the same. I'm used to how my Bible feels, I can find well loved passages so easily, the pages fall open right to them.

I have had my little purple Bible since 2008. I know to most people that's not a long time, but four years is a good chunk of time when you're 19. It's over 1/5 of my life!

I have done much growing of both the physical and spiritual sort while I've had this Bible.

I was so happy to have it back!

I know that the word of God is the word of God and regardless of how it's delivered, it can make an impact.

But I don't quite know, there is something so comforting about having a copy of His manuscript that you know the ins and outs of, that contains scribbles of dates and sermon notes in the margins, that has highlighted sections and color coded sections, too.

This Bible has seen a lot of wear and tear. It has held up rather well.
There is a quote that pops into my mind when I see a tattered Bible:

"A bible that is falling apart is a sign of someone who's life isn't."

I might add…or a sign of someone who doesn't know how to take care of their things.

But I use and love my Bible. It is marked UP, I tell you. Once, I decided to delve into Philippians and Ephesians using a color coding system. That section of my Bible is rainbow-colored.

My life definitely has its ups and downs.

If I didn't have God's word to cling to, I know that my life would most likely be in shambles.

I would have had a nervous breakdown by now.
I wouldn't be good to be around. 

Praise God for His word!

It reminded me that there are many out there who need their own copies of God's manuscript. I've heard of the persecuted countries, where people have just a few pages that they treasure. Or they do their best to memorize chunks of scripture.
Or, worse yet, they don't have the Word in their language!

Definitely sobering.