There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. (Eccl. 3:1)

Have you ever been in a reading slump? This is an extended period of time when you don’t read much. It’s not that you don’t want to read—it’s more that your mind won’t focus. I noticed recently that I’ve been in a reading slump for a couple of months. Even when I have time to read, I would rather watch TV or scroll through my phone—something that doesn’t require too much brain power.

Reading slumps are actually normal, even for voracious readers, and come with the ebbs and flows of life. Mine started after the loss of my dog, Lilly, earlier this year, but it really kicked into gear six weeks ago when I got my new puppy, Charlie. Having a new puppy is a blessing, but it’s also a lot of work. In addition, my freelance editing work got busier around that same time.

For me, a reading slump is a signal that something deeper is going on—something I need to deal with, like grief or burnout. When I don’t deal with the underlying issue, things don’t get better.

The worst reading slump I ever had lasted almost two years and came after I completed my master’s degree. Once I finished so much in-depth reading and writing for my studies, I faced burnout. My brain needed a break and refused to cooperate when I sat down to read. It’s the same now. I have a desire to read but little motivation to do so.

What I’m learning is that I have to pick my genres carefully right now. Deep nonfiction books about heavy topics are difficult for me to get into. But lighter fare can still transport me to another world and engage a part of my mind that isn’t activated the rest of the time.

The thing I remember best about my previous reading slump was that when it was over, reading was more fun than ever before. I know this time will pass—it always does. And I know what I have to look forward to when it does.

Dear Jesus, when things I love, like reading, seem like a chore, help me remember that it won’t feel that way forever. Help me rest in you while working through the grief or burnout that’s causing the problem. Amen.