Alas, how easily things go wrong! A sigh too much, a kiss too long And there follows a mist and a weeping rain And life is never the same again
George MacdonaldRead
All about us, in earth and air, wherever the eye or ear can reach, there is a power ever breathing itself forth in signs, now in daisy, now in a wind-waft, a cloud, a sunset; a power that holds constant and sweetest relation with the dark and silent world within us. The same God who is in us, and upon whose tree we are the buds, if not yet the flowers, also is all about us- inside, the Spirit; outside, the Word. And the two are ever trying to meet in us.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote explores the connection between the internal spirit and the external world, suggesting a divine influence in both.
George Macdonald's quote emphasizes the pervasive presence of a divine power that manifests in the world around us, from the simplest elements of nature to complex human experiences. He suggests that this power is both within us and outside us, signifying a relationship between our inner spirit and the external universe. The imagery of a bud symbolizing potential and transformation into a flower reflects the idea that we are constantly evolving towards a deeper understanding of ourselves in relation to the divine.
Themes
DivineSpiritNatureConnectionTransformation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a speech about personal growth and the importance of recognizing the influence of nature on our lives.
More from George Macdonald
All quotes →It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.
George MacdonaldRead
He may delay because it would not be safe to give us at once what we ask: we are not ready for it. To give ere we could truly receive, would be to destroy the very heart and hope of prayer, to cease to be our Father. The delay itself may work to bring us nearer to our help, to increase the desire, perfect the prayer, and ripen the receptive condition.
George MacdonaldRead
When I can no more stir my soul to move, and life is but the ashes of a fire; when I can but remember that my heart once used to live and love, long and aspire- O, be thou then the first, the one thou art; be thou the calling, before all answering love, and in me wake hope, fear, boundless desire.
George MacdonaldRead
But words are vain; reject them all— They utter but a feeble part: Hear thou the depths from which they call, The voiceless longing of my heart.
George MacdonaldRead
Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.
George MacdonaldRead
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