Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Sunrise of Wonder

One of the most inspiring books I have read in recent years was written by Michael Mayne when he was Dean of Westminster Abbey. It is written as a series of letters to the author's grandchildren, sharing with them all that has inspired their grandfather in literature, music and art. The book's title is a phrase taken from a quotation from G. K. Chesterton:

"At the back of our brains, so to speak, there is a forgotten blaze or burst of astonishment at our own existence. The object of the artistic and spiritual life is to dig, for this sunrise of wonder."

I commend the book, "This Sunrise of Wonder".

Source: Words of Barrie Hibbert, guest speaker at the Melbourne College of Divinity Conferral Ceremony, 27 April 2001. Thanks Barrie (GP).

Image: Sunrise over lake.