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| Anderson Shore photography here |
I had the privilege of listening to a wonderful lecture years ago by Roger Scruton. His topic, a book he wrote called Beauty. It's a philosophical read, better suited to the dark days of winter than the light and breezy days of summer, but a question I asked of him after the lecture has been rolling around in my mind of late.
And here it is, "How do we build a love for beauty in children?"
His answer was simple and so encouraging.
Set the table.
Do you remember when you learned to set the table? I believe I was learning about it from my dear grandmother, long before I could put the forks and knives in the right place.
My grandparents both died before I turned eight, but those vivid memories of happy meals at their home, mostly Sunday mid-day after church dinners (at lunch time no less!) remain fresh and clear. We feasted on china, with real silver, cloth napkins, table cloth, candles and always a centerpiece...those aromatic roses my grandfather grew himself in the yard.
My grandfather loved and cared for an orderly bed of roses, and the climbing red roses that grew on his fence. He always clipped them carefully, dusting and feeding them. He did his gardening in his dress pants and starched white shirt...I think he loved beauty and order for everyday, not just on Sundays.
When you set the table tonight, give yourself the pleasure of a little bowl of flowers. Life is too short not to fill it with as much beauty as you can!
