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In early August I went on my first walk up and down the road below my parents house, and began listening to the Count of Monte Cristo (read by my favorite Narrator). This morning I finished it after my morning walk.

That may not sound like a big deal…

But the audiobook is just over 58 and a half hours!!!

Now to be fair I listened to that book while driving. But the majority of it was listened to while walking in the morning, or working out at the gym in the afternoon. It gave me a way to pass the time while exercising.

But slowly I began listening to it outside of my exercise times

Because it was a better story

Count of Monte Christo (for those who don’t know) is an epic adventure about betrayal, redemption, and love. It’s also much more entertaining than 95% of the stuff we watch on TV or streaming services!

Now I have a confession to make……I’m very good at listening to audio-books. But when it comes to reading them I’m awful!!

Why if It’s a better story do I find myself watching a show instead of reading a book?

Because reading challenges my mind!

Our minds through daily culture and media are constantly distracted. This means something as simple as reading a book seem boring in a way (even though it isn’t) and we are distracted from the reading to something more exciting on the screen.

With the Lords help about a week ago I began making reading books (on my Kindle) a foundational habit during downtime instead of watching something. To be honest it’s hard! But over time as the habit is established it will strengthen both my mind, and my testimony.

Even if it is hard to read instead of watch I am committed to doing it.

Because books have a better story.