Monday, March 31, 2008

From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

The following quote comes from a book that I recently finished.

I am thankful to my friend Julie for helping me learn how to relax. I won't ruin the book for you, because its worth a read (even for us adults); but, basically the end conversation is between an elementary aged girl, Claudia, and an 80+ aged woman, Mrs. B. E. F.

In the book they both had a lot to learn from each other:

Claudia said, "But, Mrs. Frankweiler, you should want to learn one new thing every day. We did even at the museum."

"No," I [Mrs. F] ansewred, "I don't agree with that. I think you should learn, of course, and some days you must learn a great deal. But you should also have days when you allow what is already in you to swell up inside of you until it touches everything. And you can feel it inside you. If you never take time out to let that happen, then you just accumulate facts, and they begin to rattle around inside you. You can make noise with them, but never really feel anything with them. It's hollow."


This made me think. How about you?

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's excellent! You've worked with service-learning, Traci, and I'd say that this is the essence of reflection. I've put a copy on hold at the Wake Library to read with my daughter - I'll let you know what we think. Thanks for sharing!

traci said...

Great point George. I was thinking about the SL concepts today when I was typing this post. I hope your daughter likes it.

Patrick said...

I love it. Really believe that times of quiet spirit led introspection are of such great value.

Matt, you and I need to grab dinner again sometime in the next couple weeks. Hope you both are well!

chewie said...

bingo, gringo! I love it. Applies well to the spiritual as well as other parts of our lives.