A couple of weeks ago I pulled out my old Bible I purchased when I was in Jr. High. I used this Bible all through my school years, including college. I've received other Bibles, since being married, and have enjoyed them for seasons, but I seem to always want to go back to my old familiar one.
There's something about reading a passage that has been highlighted in the past and remembering why I thought it was important. Sometimes that is still the key verse, and sometimes it's a different verse that is more significant this time.
I memorized many many verses using this old Bible. I can picture where the verse lies on the page. I may not be able to tell you the Chapter and verse, but I know the book and that it's in the second column on the left page half way down, and it's indented and double spaced.
Rebekah was flipping through the old Bible yesterday and found an old picture from college. She asked me if those were my friends. I showed her who was who, she's met some of the people. She remembers some of the faces. We talked about college and how I got to spend so much time with my friends. She wants to go to college now. :-) We didn't talk about classes and semester exams.
I catch myself doing old familiar things with my bible. It has a strap on the cover my mom bought for it long ago. But I hardly every carry it by the strap. It's usually in my left arm almost held like I carry my children. When I pray, I'll turn it in my lap to rest on both knees. Then put both elbows on it and lean forward with my head in hands. I realized I've done that for years.
Isn't it wonderful how the Word of God, written on pages, held in our hands, is such a treasure?