Re-Realizing the Purpose- Quran Reading

With my 'vacation' this summer, I've been striving to make it my goal to read all the books I never had time for and to most importantly study the Quran and read a larger portion than I normally read daily- I have been slacking.
I came across an article from http://www.quranicpath.com/quranicpath/reading_quran.html that noted the importance of relying on what the Quran states about life matters and not on what other people say. My husband and his family are of the practice that you revere the Quran and not touch it with dirty hands or keep it in a 'low' place- many Muslims have this level of respect, but how many are reading the Quran and learning it's message?  I  know some Christians will have copies of the Bible here, there, and anywhere seemingly without respect for cleanliness but I think its more important that you read the words than keep the outside clean.
I take pride and joy in being disciplined enough to read some portion of the Quran everyday but am I truly benefiting or just 'putting in my time'- much like rushing through a prayer to get it done. How much attention am I paying to the words God provided for us?

So, as I struggle with crazy emotions and an impending life change, I pray for the strength to focus and truly soak in the message God has enclosed in the Quran and not take it for granted, to do more than the 'bare minmum' I pray the same for all others as well