A new study reveals a quiet but troubling shift: daily reading for pleasure in the U.S. has dropped more than 40% over the past two decades. In 2003, 26% of Americans read on an average day. By 2023, that number had fallen to just 16%. Researchers warn that this decline isn’t merely cultural—it’s deeply personal and potentially harmful. Reading is linked to improved mental health, deeper empathy, and stronger cognitive function across all age groups. It’s not just entertainment; it’s nourishment.
So the question becomes: what are you nourishing your mind with? Is it the endless scroll of headlines and distractions, or the slow unfolding of a story that invites reflection, imagination, and rest?
For those of us who walk in faith, this question takes on even deeper meaning. Do you read scripture and chew on God’s word, allowing it to shape your thoughts, your choices, your heart? Do you respond to the living Word—not just with intellect, but with presence, with prayer, with transformation?
The decline in reading is fueled by familiar pressures: digital media’s constant pull, shrinking leisure time, economic stress, and limited access to books and libraries—especially in underserved communities. But even in the midst of these challenges, the invitation remains. We can choose depth over distraction. We can feed our souls with words that matter. We can return to the page, the poem, the parable—and let them do their quiet, healing work.
If you’ve drifted from reading, consider this your gentle nudge. Not a guilt trip—just a reminder that your mind and spirit deserve beauty, truth, and quiet joy. What’s nourishing you lately? And what might you reach for next?
Smitten With Goodness 