I know I have a problem, and I am trying to avert the eventual confrontation. I sense that the problem took root after my graduation in April. Due to hectic school schedules in college, I was overworked and enervated beyond belief. Perhaps my passion for reading, writing and living was dulled by the constant and relentless need to perform. Thus upon graduation, I took a mental hiatus. For a period of some eight months, I stayed away from any mentally strenuous activity. In hindsight, I am conscious of the damage I had inflicted upon myself, and I am well aware of my present ability to write succinctly and concisely. In fact, I can safely say that I am losing my ability to craft a convincing piece of work; yet the awareness did not stirred me to action until I heard a talk given by Andrew’s parent, Leonard and Rita.
Both of their talks differ in the topics they chose to address. The former chooses to focus his talk on the notion of mental engagement, while the latter shares with the congregation her experiences and her testimony. In addition, Auntie Rita also implored the youth and her counterparts alike to sink their roots deep into gospel soil in order to strengthen their personal testimony, and avert spiritual inactivity. I appreciate their talks, however Uncle Leonard’s talk struck a chord with me.
In his talk, he expounded on the importance of continual learning. He explains that one should never allow their minds to wander or idle, because idleness is akin to mental regression. He illustrates his point by highlighting that, knowledge we gained earlier in our lives will fail to endure, if we allowed the information we acquire to remain dormant in our brains. Other than admonishing the congregation to be mentally engaged, he offers a remedy for idleness by suggesting that one should expose their minds to a vast variety of books, and to read often as well.
I concur with him. I reflected and contrasted on my present mental state to the period when I was in college. In my reflections, I realized that my ability to construct an argument and perceive have been dimmed by my mental inactivity. I had not read a book for some eight month since graduation. Other than that, I have ceased writing as well. Brother Leonard’s talk have woken me up, and he has brought me to recognize the pathetic mental state I had subjected myself to, as a result of my inability to devote quality time to reading and writing. I am petrified by my own discovery, and I do not want to lose my capacity to read and write. Hence I have made a promise to myself that I will make a weekly entry to my blog, in addition, to reading three books a month. I will not fall, and I will read and write again.
