Winter Reading

“He did not hate the Winter now, for he knew that it was merely the Spring asleep, and that the flowers were resting.”  – Oscar Wilde from The Selfish Giant

I love short stories especially those that address such topics as the redemptive action of Christ, personal conversion, the blossoming of love and hope, the restoration of Eden, and/or the obtainment of Heaven. Today, I am posting a link to a short story by Oscar Wilde which is titled The Selfish Giant, and it contains all of these elements. I think you will enjoy reading it as January progresses, and we begin to think about the spring garden; yes, it is a bit early to think about spring, but my Betty Crocker’s Kitchen Gardens is off the shelf and a certain man on the premises has ordered herbs for a kitchen garden. As I write this, I hear another relation moving a new load of firewood in the yard. We purchased more firewood as it has been a cold winter with lots of time spent around the active fireplace; perhaps that’s why thoughts of spring are welling up?

Anyway, do enjoy this story written in 1888: The Selfish Giant. Tip: have a handkerchief within reach.

For those who like to delve into an analysis of the story, you might like this. And, an essay written on the role of children in the story, here.

“I have many beautiful flowers […] but the children are the most beautiful flowers of all.” ~the giant in The Selfish Giant, by Oscar Wilde

That reminds me of a quote by Mother Teresa of Calcutta:

“How can there be too many children? That is like saying there are too many flowers.”

Yes, children are flowers, and they brighten our world through all of the seasons.

May you have a good day.

~SCF