It’s a fine line between Ordinary and Extraordinary. Here at Gracepoint Berkeley church, I’m happy to be part of increasing the momentum of a culture shift, where reading is not only cool, it’s a given. Today’s picture is so mundane to me, but when I take a step back, I recognize the (Extra)ordinary in it. These middle school guys could be lost in the myriad Internet wormholes out there, playing video games, or just otherwise metaphorically or literally rolling around doing nothing. Instead they’re voluntarily coming to a library for independent reading. They don’t get community service points or extra credit for this. We don’t do any special programs. I have classical music playing, and pretty much leave them alone. We just read. (I actually get the most reading done during my times with these guys, so I personally look forward to it. Which some might find extraordinary in and of itself!)

Middle school guys totally in the zone — the auto reading zone — reading books that they *chose* to come to Bibliopolis to read. For an hour! (And some come early, just because.)

What’s your verdict: Ordinary or Extraordinary?