The Cultivating Reader – Literary Leaf-Mould provides a fresh source of recommended books gathered from classic and contemporary authors. I will introduce you to varied genres through the ages—classic literature, poetry, and inspiring nonfiction. You may find just the right choice for a book club because breaking bread together over a good read builds fellowship. My prayer is for you to set aside time alone or with friends to linger over good words.
Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” —Romans 12:6–8 (ESV)
Generosity is often tied to money, but I believe that the most charitable gift you can give is your time. Generosity is a golden thread, a simple act woven into the fabric of your day. As children of God made in His image, He gives us mercy, hope, talents, and all good things and then calls on us daily to imitate His gracious giving. You are His gift to share abundantly with other people!
Recent health studies report that in 2024 “30% of adults say they have experienced feelings of loneliness at least once a week over the past year, 10% say they are lonely every day.”[1] Every day. That is staggering.
I pray that I can inspire you with the following story to see others with Jesus’ eyes, and let them know that they are seen.
After my family and I moved, I discovered that the nearest grocery store was rather pricey on many items. This made me a bit churlish because, unless I planned ahead with a list and drove to a more distant option, I was stuck. But I soon discovered that this grocer was unlike any other. I could call and ask about a random product and they would find it. The clerks chatted with me like family. They served with kind generosity. And the baggers always asked if I needed help taking my groceries to my car. Was I paying a little more to shop there? Yes, but the smiles, greetings, and consistent kindnesses were worth it. The employees took the time to connect with the shoppers.
Which brings me to this point. I decided to make it a habit to reciprocate. As an independent woman of a certain age (and I will not confess to what age), getting asked if I needed help walking to my car made me think, “Do I LOOK like I need help? I can walk miles and not even blink!” Of course, I never said that, because I would then become a crabby woman of a certain age. One particularly beautiful day, the bagger asked if I needed help taking my purchases to my car. I met his glance, paused, and said, “I think you need a bit of sunshine and fresh air. I would love your help!” The grateful lad smiled and told the clerk, “I need to help this nice lady,” and we walked outside. I asked how his day was going and he proceeded to tell me that this was his best day ever because he was finally graduating college. With a big smile, he shared his future plans with me. His joy was a gift that I would’ve missed. As I started my car, I vowed to accept someone’s generous help more often rather than selfishly deny their gift. Now I always reply, “Why yes, I would love the help!”
Dear reader, live your life with open hands. Compliment a stranger; ask the clerk about their day and say their name; if asked, to bring a meal for someone, or bring two; read to a child. Small gestures can be more precious than gold.
For this issue of Cultivating, I have selected books to inspire you with ideas and stories focusing on unique ways to embody generosity with liberality.
- If you love to bless others with beautifully written words, read The Art of the Handwritten Note: A Guide to Reclaiming Civilized Communication by Margaret Shepherd.
Do you remember receiving a handwritten letter in the mail? What a gift to find something intentionally personal, crafted just for you, perhaps with elegant stationery and a fine pen, and maybe the envelope sealed with wax. Shepherd’s little book is filled with tips and tools to make handwritten missives a tradition. (My advice? Invest in a fountain pen!)
- Great benevolence given in lifelong friendship is found in The Mythmakers by John Hendrix.
This remarkable book recounts the abiding fellowship of C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, but in graphic novel form. A sheer delight to read! Every detail, from ink to illustration to dialogue, captures your imagination. Lewis and Tolkien had their differences of faith and literary ideas, but this did not tarnish their relationship. The Mythmakers shares nuggets of backstory about each author, as well as the formation of the Inklings fellowship. As a wonderful biography artistically rendered, this book is a treasure.
- Savor words of encouragement to those who are called to create in Makers by Nature: Letters from a Master Painter on Faith, Hope, and Art by Bruce Herman.
Written as a series of letters focused on the theology of art, this extraordinary text will have a profound and encouraging impact on the artists and makers in the Christian community. Herman shares a wealth of personal experience and wisdom from his own life experiences via fictional, personal letters written to younger artists.
- Discover that the smallest acts are lavishly holy in The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence, translated by Marshall Davis.
Brother Lawrence was a 17th century monk who worked at a Carmelite monastery in Paris. He focused his attention on the Divine Presence in every activity and has been an inspiring example to me of finding glory in the simple and mundane. He wrote, “We must not grow weary of doing little things for the love of God, who looks not on the great size of the work, but on the love of it.”[2] This 75-page text is a collection of his conversations, letters, and maxims.
- For younger readers, learn about the generosity and love of good friends in the Frog and Toad series by Arnold Lobel.
You might remember these wonderful First Reader stories, and I believe they should be in every home. The friendship of Frog and Toad exemplifies overflowing charity, humor, and geniality. They experience normal frustrations like a lost button or melted ice cream, but they solve problems together and celebrate every outcome. My grown kids still ask me to read them!
- Engage in wonder with a child while reading And the Light Comes In, written and illustrated by Amy Grimes.
Each charming illustration in this picture book is paired with a brief story and imaginative questions to ponder on the facing page. This is a perfect read-aloud to inspire imaginations!
- Share your wisdom and faith with little ones while reading Lucilla and the Snarly Skein written and illustrated by Amy Grimes.
This sweet picture book reminds us that some problems are too big for us, but not for the “king who commands the stars.”
You and I, dear reader, can live each day with lavish generosity of spirit, soul, talent, and gifts. Brother Lawrence believed that “We should commit ourselves unceasingly to this one goal: that everything we do be little acts of communion with God. This must be natural and not artificial, coming from the purity and simplicity of the heart.”[3] The smallest act of generosity to others is a reflection of the Father’s love for us.
[1] American Psychiatric Association, “New APA Poll: One in Three Americans Feels Lonely Every Week,” January 30, 2024.
[2] Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God, trans. by Marshall Davis.
[3] Ibid.
The featured image, “A Hedgerow in Wrexham ,” is courtesy of Lancia E. Smith and is used with her glad permission for Cultivating.
Annie Nardone is a lifelong bibliophile with a special devotion to the Inklings and medieval authors. She is a Fellow with the C.S. Lewis Institute and holds an M.A. in Cultural Apologetics from Houston Christian University. Annie is the Director of Visual Artists for The Cultivating Project and columnist for Cultivating Magazine. She is founding board member, managing editor, and author for the apologetics quarterly, An Unexpected Journal. Her writing can also be found as travel blogger for Clarendon Press U.K., with published poems at Calla Press and Poetica.
She holds a MA in Cultural Apologetics from Houston Christian University, and is a Fellow with the C.S. Lewis Institute. Annie writes for Cultivating, Literary Life, and Clarendon House Books, and is a managing editor and writer for An Unexpected Journal. Annie collaborated on three books in 2022, published by Square Halo Books and The Rabbit Room. She recently designed a curriculum detailing the intersection of theology, the arts, and history and is a Master Teacher for HSLDA. She resides in Florida with her Middle Earth/Narnia/Hogwarts-loving family, and an assemblage of sphynx cats and feline foundlings.
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