Daily Quiet Time Reads
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I have really gotten into a good rhythm of morning, afternoon, and evening reading routines and I’d like to share with you what I am reading right now. This list includes books that take me several months to work through that I don’t tend to post reviews for.
*I also have a daily journaling routine that I may share in a different article.*
You may notice that I call each of these times a “quiet” time, but they aren’t always quiet. I’m usually getting interrupted to welcome a child from their bedroom as they wake up, pausing to help a child get a snack, or giving just one more bedtime hug.
Or you might be surprised that I have THREE different quiet times during my day. This is intentional on my part as I love time for reflection and a calm pause to help me prep for the day (or for sleep) or to help me reset so I can get back to the daily housework that isn’t as enjoyable for me.
Morning Quiet Time
I spend about 20-30 minutes on my morning routine and maybe 12 of those minutes are spent reading. I like to start with a page from Charlotte Mason’s Homeschooling Series (if you read a page a day, it takes 3 years to read through her entire series).
School Education (Volume 3) by Charlotte Mason
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I also read something from the Bible. Right now I am reading through the four gospels and Acts over and over, one chapter a day. My plan is to use a different translation every time I do it. I am currently using a Bible app to read the book of Luke out loud to me while I follow along with the NLT version of the Alabaster Co. books.
Gospel of Luke by Alabaster Co.
Afternoon Quiet Time
The time I spend reading right after lunch varies greatly from day to day. I have worked very intentionally to reduce my commitments outside the home (for myself - my kids still have a lot of activities) and it has reduced my stress greatly and allowed more time for things that add beauty to my life.
I don’t have ongoing books in the afternoon because I try to create more than I take in at this time, but I do try to do 2 different reading-related things. One is to read at least one chapter in my current non-fiction book. And the next is to listen to an audio book while I practice my hand-lettering. I like to “require” myself to read for 30 minutes, so whatever time is left after those two things are finished is spent with my current fiction read.
Evening Read-Alouds
Part of our bedtime routine with the kids includes reading aloud. We spend about 30 minutes reading before “lights out”. I am taking the kids through the Gospels right now and we are loving the Kaleidoscope books.
The Gentle King: The Gospel of Matthew
We also read a chapter out of our “just-for-fun” book. Currently we are reading through the Little House Rose Years series.
The kids also enjoy listening to the Yoto Player while I read my own fiction book.
Disney Princess Storybook Collection
My Own Evening Quiet Time
After the kids go to bed, I get to start my own evening quiet time. I love to take as much as 45 minutes to do my evening routine, but I can do it in 10-20 minutes if I need to and be satisfied with that.
I do most of my journaling at night but I also love to read a short story. I am really enjoying the L.M. Montgomery collection. There are hundreds of stories in her entire collection and each one is unique and gives me a little treat to help me relax at the end of the day. It’s even better to me than a bedtime snack.
Short Stories Collection 1896-1901 by Lucy Maud Montgomery
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Often I will listen to a Scripture meditation. But if I feel like I don’t have enough time to find one and listen to it, I will read the next Psalm and prayer in my current psalter, which only takes me about a minute or two.
Concordia Psalter
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After I’ve done all that and have gotten ready for bed, I will settle into bed and read my current Kindle book until I’m ready to fall asleep.
And that is my daily rhythm that keeps me enjoying life amidst the daily grind! Do you have a favorite way to spend your own “quiet” times throughout the day?
Thanks so much for sharing this. I've been wondering how you structured reading into your day. It was obvious to me that you must do so. I really enjoy reading about what you've read, and occasionally add some of your reads to my own list.