As I recently looked for quotes to inspire a friend to begin to journal, I found one by E.B. White, “All that I hope to say in books, all that I ever hope to say, is that I love the world.” The quote almost seemed to jump off the page at me. What a great perspective to have! I let the thought roll around in my mind and on my lips wondering what he really meant and what had inspired his saying that.
Best known for writing Stuart Little, Charlotte’s Web, and The Trumpet of the Swan, E.B. White was a shy, quiet man who loved animals and studying the weather. He was successful in his own right and received many accolades during his life. From all I have found, he did love his world and tried to make it better than he had found it.
His books have brought joy to the hearts of many children and adults. His world was not perfect, as there were challenges, but he apparently chose to love his world anyway. I think we have forgotten how to do that.
Turn on the news or strike up a conversation with the average person, and it won’t take long for the negativity to hit you in the face. I think we have forgotten what a wonderful world we really do have, even with all its challenges. We can love our world and set out to make it a better one than we found when we arrived. Let’s intentionally look at the positive and encourage others to do the same.
I have no way of knowing what inspired E.B. White, but I do plan to thank God every day for my family, my friends, the sunshine, the food on my table, and all the other blessings I might take for granted. I can be frustrated with things around me but still love my world and inspire others to do the same.