Reflections
"Why are all reflections lovelier than what we call reality? -- not so grand or so strong, it may be, but always lovelier? Fair as is the gliding sloop on the shining sea, the wavering, trembling, unresting sail below is fairer still. Yea, the reflecting ocean itself, reflected in the mirror, has a wondrousness about it's waters that somewhat vanishes when I turn towards itself. All mirrors are magic mirrors. The commonest room is a room in a poem when I turn to the glass... In whatever way it may be accounted for, of one thing we may be sure, that this feeling is not cheat; for there is not cheating in nature and the simple unsought feelings of the soul. There must be a truth incolved in it, though we may but in part lay hold of the meaning. Even the memories of past pain are beautiful; and past delights, though beheld only through clefts in the grey clouds of sorrow, are lovely as Fairy Land. But how have I wandered into the deeper fairyland of the soul, while as yet I only float towards the fairy palace of Fairy Land! The moon, which is the lovelier memory or reflex of the down-gone sun, the joyous day seen in the faint mirror of the brooding night, had rapt me away."
-Phantastes page 233 of The George MacDonald Treasury
This reminds me of the saying: "The grass is always greener on the other side." Of course, I know from personal experience that this isn't true. However, this quote just brings to mind that idea. That we always look better when our life is reflected. If you turn your life around, it's going to look better. I think this is a good thought. I love how MacDonald has so many amazing quotes in his books!
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