The Art of Rebinding
August 11, 2009 |
I recently had my Bible rebound. I’ve had it for more than a decade, and it’s literally travelled tens of thousands of miles with me—physically and spiritually. Its pages provided comfort during the long dark winters in Alaska, hope during times of transition when we returned to Colorado, and wisdom for various steps along the way. In the end, I spent a $123 to get the wrinkled pages of my Bible pressed, additional blank pages added to the back, five new ribbons, and a genuine leather covers that smells, well, like fresh cow skin. Yum.
But in all honesty, I was really paying for were the things money couldn’t buy: the years of notes, the prayer lists, the underlined and circled passages, the dates where particular scriptures were the most impactful. Those are the things money can’t bind. Priceless.
The whole process of having a book rebound is counterintuitive in our fast-paced, highly disposable world. Some have suggested that I should have just ordered a new Bible. From a fiscal perspective, they’re right. Most Bibles are a whole lot less expensive, and the process would have been quicker. But there’s something wonderful about that which is old, tried, and true. This whole book binding experienced has raised the question of what else should I be holding onto? What else should I try to restore?
Who have I lost touch with who used to be significant in my life? Which people poured into me years ago who only now are seeing some of the fruits of their labors? What connections did I have in leadership and ministry that in the busyness of everyday demands have slipped away? What activities did I used to love that I’ve let go of? Which relationships are frayed but need to be rebound?
Indeed, rebinding takes many forms. Sometimes it’s meant for old, leathery Bibles whose pages have are falling out. Other times it meant for people, who need to share the greater story of what God has been doing over the last few (or many) years.
What in your life is ready to be rebound?
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on August 11, 2009
Comments
Since I came to know Christ as my Savior, I've lost one Bible, and had another stolen from me. They were replete with notes, promises, autographs - all that the Lord had been doing in my life through the Saints who spoke into my life, and the principles I had learned through study. Each time, I'd felt that something dear and precious had been ripped from my life and knew that I'd never be able to recapture what I'd lost, contained in those books - at least not in the same way.
What is it about that Word? As I think about it is truly alive and speaks with an almost audible voice into our lives each and every time we pick it up. It is God drawing near to us, getting our attention, and "filling in the cracks" of our daily lives, as we seek for answers to questions, or look for solace in our times of need.
Each note jotted down, is my confirming that what the Lord says to my heart I understand and believe. Praise His Name!
Posted by: CSimmons on August 12, 2009
I've become huge on this concept of repairing or making use of older items, rather than always buying new. It's so counter-cultural to live this way; however, it's not only better for our souls, it's better for the environment and our pocket-books as well.
I know in your case, it might have been cheaper to just buy a new Bible, but I love the idea of preserving the old. It's reflective of the value of the elders in our lives as well. Our pop culture throws youth at us, defining the new "cool" and "hip" at every turn. What about the wise aged members of our society? We can extend this metaphor of hanging on and repairing our older house-hold items to the value of upholding the wisdom of the elderly.
Great post. Thanks!
Posted by: Dianne Bright on August 12, 2009
Hmm...I think of some friendships as a result of this post. Its better to repair them while they are still frayed and not beyond repair.
Posted by: Janna Rust on August 15, 2009