On the bookshelf, #42

Gift from the Sea, by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote this book of meditations and essays on a solitary vacation to the sea in 1955. The topics of aging, love, peace, and contentment speak to the heart of women just as honestly today as they did then. Her insights into the importance of creativity and solitude and the impact these have on the lives of women were incredible.

With seashells as her inspiration, Ms. Lindbergh drew literary pictures that illustrated just how complicated and congested we cause our lives to be. She strove to remind us that simplicity is where we will find beauty, as does the whelk in his bare yet elegant shell home.

I want to share just one of my favorite passages from this book. In truth, the entire book is quotable but this stayed with me from the second chapter.

But I want first of all — in fact, as an end to these other desires — to be at peace with myself. I want a singleness of eye, a purity of intention, a central core to my life that will enable me to carry out these obligations and activities as well as I can. I want, in fact, to borrow from the language of the saints — to live “in grace” as much of the time as possible. (pg. 17)

Everyone should read this book. Every woman should own a copy of this book and read it often. This, quite simply, is one of the best gifts I’ve ever received.