I'm a reader. If you know me at all, you know I rarely go anywhere without a book in hand.

I take a book with me to lunch, even if I'm going out to lunch with friends. In case they bore me. Luckily it hasn't happened yet.

I take a book with me to the park, the mall, the DMV, shopping, errands,to church, and even on dates with my husband.

In case he bores me.

Okay, perhaps I'm slightly kidding on the last one. Or maybe not, but in either case I've never needed to open up my book. I'm usually entertained by others company. And I know it's not socially acceptable to read in the presence of others.

Still, you bore me and I might just do it anyways. (what is the difference between reading a book and checking an iPhone anyways? )

Sunday my family piled into the car. Each with the prerequisite Bible. Even Katie who can't even actually read yet has to bring her Bible to church. I glanced in the back to see if they all have their Bibles and discover that not only has Conor a Bible, but he's reading Tom Clancy's Hunt for Red October. I tell him he's not going to bring that into church I hope. He replies he wont'. My husband, David, looks over at me and says, "You would." And I agree. I most definitely would! And in the past have even read books during the pastor's message.

Because he bored me.

Luckily I can say that I no longer turn to a book, partly because my pastor is never boring, and partly because I'm finally mature (??) enough to realize that it not just about me. I've also learned that if I'm truly teachable, I will get something out of any message, even if I'm bored.

So, I still bring a book with me but never open it, I have been tempted a few times during the singing to read instead of sing and listen, so I'll open up my Bible and read it. It looks acceptable and spiritual but the reality is I'm still bored and enjoy being distracted. Now I have an iPhone and I could play with it. I might even be able to pass it off as my "Bible" or note taking, but I don't. David thinks it is distracting to be on an iphone. I think it's just as distracting as turning a page in my notebook or Bible.

I'm really happy that I enjoy paying attention in church, because it wasn't always like this. I'd appear to be taking serious notes but I'd actually be writing down my shopping list. Or figuring out whose birthday was coming up next. I'd like to blame it on the pastor but I know the blame is all mine. I don't think church has to become more entertaining just to hold my attention.

But I'll bring a book just in case. I'm sure I won't need it.