Ancient Words… who can resist the pull of another soul’s thoughts from centuries past? Lately I’ve been disciplining myself to read the old works: Shakespeare, early Church Fathers, etc. No one can replicate the richness of those writings from centuries past. What a privilege we enjoy with all the great works literally at our fingertips! May we not pass by this opportunity to see through the eyes of those who walked before us.

Lately I’ve been tidying up the library a bit more in anticipation of opening after my wedding. The entire design changed yesterday; today book after book was placed on the shelves. I’ve begun decorating the area around the Tea Table and am hopeful that some young ladies will want to join me in a little Book Society. If only we could sit face-to-face…but in the absence of such I will take a hearty discussion through words online. If we share a love and passion for goodness, truth, and beauty our bond is strong.

My inspiration for this library came from Lanier. Her haven online is the most restful place I know; I’ve re-read all of her stories, entries, and reviews many times when life’s hectic pace demanded I pause or collapse. I want this Library to be a retreat, a refuge, a place of quietness and reflection. There are not many such places left in this world–particularly in the realm of blogs.

It seems nearly everyone has moved to posting advertisements, making money on their sites, linking to each other, and discussing the latest controversy or shocking event. These things in and of themselves are not necessarily wrong…but am I the only one who tires of it? Occasionally I will foray out and skim some blogs but I depart not rested, but drained. Was the time I spent reading those blogs well invested? Will any of it even matter a week or a month from now?

In revisiting the Ancient Words of ages past, I’ve readjusted my grip onto reading that has been worthy of great effort and investment for centuries. It is these great jewels of our history that I want to share through the Library. It is the beloved and timeless classics which I hope we will together savor and meditate on in our Book Society. It is the less common things of goodness, truth, and beauty which I pray will nourish our spirits and sharpen our vision.

A few things are worth the work. I believe this Library is one of them.