With the movie based on her award-winning book in theaters finally, a book about her spiritual legacyjust published and the 100th anniversary of her birth approaching in November, Madeleine L’Engle is in the news, as they say.
Even though she died in 2007, she remains as current as the day’s news for me. She continues having a proI begin each writing day reading a selection from Madeleine L’Engle Herself, Reflections on a Writing Life. When I complete it the book, I start back at page one and repeat the process. As with all her books, my marginalia records my response and thoughts, my way of conversing with her.
L’Engle creates for me a world in which creativity, music, art, literature, spirituality and relationships are worth pursuing with our best efforts. These things matter.
Her insight enabled her to look at these differently, shedding the accepted rules and norms in search of what was right for her. She cared for family and friends with an intentionality that fed their relationships. Such things as walking her dogs or awakening children to go out and look at the stars tell me she appreciated the significant things in life.
Her spiritual journey transcended what other people said her experience should be. She was open to growing, to seeking understanding while always questioning. Her approach, and that of several other authors who were Episcopalian, sparked a significant change in my life.
She inspires me. That such an articulate writer could struggle with doubt and rejection and still write and be published reassures and challenges me. Twenty-six publishers rejected A Wrinkle in Time. Once published, the book received the coveted Newbery Medal for children’s literature. But think about 26 “No thank you.” letters arriving in your mailbox!
I have a Madeleine L’Engle story. Many years ago, I heard her speak at an Episcopal church in Tennessee. As she was autographing my books, her ink pen ran dry. I gave her mine, and she continued. A small gesture that was memorable to me because I was able to do something for her. That’s all, but it’s my bit of Madeleine L’Engle fame.
And what was today’s reading from Herself? It was about deciding—and committing—to being a writer, even while facing rejection and knowing that even if she never published again, she would continue being a writer
I needed that. Sometimes the writing goes slowly and always with difficulty. But, even still, I am a writer so I will write.
Thanks, Madeleine. You did it again—just for me.
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