I am reading a wonderful book written by Madeleine L’Engle about how she prepares herself to write. The title of the book is A Circle of Quiet and I recommend it for every reader and writer. She speaks of “ontology,” the word for being and becoming. I, like Madeleine, can get drunk on words.

She speaks about the parts of us that need to be burned away until there is nothing left but what and who we are meant to be.

She speaks of humility as a “throwing away” of oneself in complete concentration on something or someone else.

She reminds us that when we do receive praise for something we have created, it can be dangerous. It is permissible for us to be pleased that a job has been well done, but we can’t take any personal credit for it. 

After all, I say, it is God’s gifts that make us who we are, and we are to share out gifts with the world.