By Winnie Bolton
People who know me call me a Renaissance woman.
Maybe, they’re right.
I just know I admire the moral chivalry of those times.
Alfred L. Tennyson’s Idylls of the King, a book that dealt with the quest of the Holy Grail, fascinated me so I’m rereading it.
Upon writing another column this morning I wondered how many have I written since moving here to Mount Angel so I counted them and the figure came to 345.
Now I wonder when I’ll quit.
But since I enjoy writing and being surrounded by so many ideas and conundrums my busy mind would not be happy as I grow older; pains and aches are inevitable but it’s the mind that keeps us pushing onward and upward.
Like an old car that keeps breaking down depends on a mechanic for survival; our bodies depend on good health care mentally and physically.
That’s when the maturity of wisdom kicks in. The quest of the Holy Grail, itself, becomes a search for the mystical union with God.
The Holy Grail was the name given to the cup Jesus used at the Last Supper. Many legends have sprung up about it.
One legend tells that Joseph of Animathea used the cup to catch the blood of Jesus when the Savior hung on the Cross.
Later, Joseph took the Grail to England (which is where the Idylls of the King took place). It was believed to have the power to heal.
The theme carried forward into the 20th Century representing the Holy Grail as the center of perfect harmony, the search for perfection, for totality and unity with God.
Great literature is inspirational because its intentions is usually the questioning power it generates.
To seek life’s highest meaning enables one to dig deeper, to cultivate oneself to uncover old treasures like eternal values within.
Reading “good stuff” enables the mind and spirit to flourish, prosper and thrive.
Summer is almost here… a good time for kids and ourselves to do some relaxing reading.
Our three free libraries—one in Silverton, one in Mount Angel, and the Abbey Library are shelved with treasures supported by out tax money (except the Abbey’s).
Enter their world of enchantment and leave your twittering and Facebook escapades behind.
It’s kind of similar to visiting a fine home with quality people caring about the “good stuff” life offers.
If this sounds like an ad for our local libraries it very well could be.
Life can be quite meaningful if we accept the gifts surrounding us.
Many times our human blindness hinders the light available, but have faith – age brings wisdom.
