Wednesday, August 14, 2013

WHAT IS A KNIGHT WITHOUT A QUEST?

by Michael Douglas Carlin

Knights are all about adventure and chivalry. Every time a Knight embarks on an adventure, there is sure to be a story to tell others, especially when the adventure begins with the purest of intentions. Life lessons and good deeds done along the way are an important part of being a Knight. The artifacts collected along the way are also quite important as visual aids in telling your stories. The twofold goal of a quest is to allieviate suffering and solve problems.


Many of our Knights collect medical supplies in local hospitals and take them to poverty-stricken countries, where these supplies save lives. Many collect musical instruments and take the gift of music to people, who could never afford to own a musical instrument. Others collect sporting equipment and bring the gift of sports to alleviate pain and suffering. A few Knights collect surplus food and take it to hungry people, who would otherwise have nothing to eat. Every Knight must decide for himself or herself how to live a chivalric life.

The accouterments of a Knight are very private and personal. Each Knight in our order embarks on a quest to find his or her Knightly possessions that can be handed down to future Knights and later bequeathed to inspire others to live their lives in keeping with the oath of a Knight. The search for items can be done on humanitarian missions or during times of personal reflection and may be gifted. When Knights gather in the age-old tradition of storytelling, these relics can provide triggers to impart the lore of Knights. Collecting regalia should, therefore, become something each Knight does over the course of a lifetime. There is no commercialism associated with our Order of Knights.

Why limit yourselves in your quest for artifacts that add to the legacy of Knighthood? Knights were known for many things: horses, armor, swords, shields, axes, rings, chains, mail, spurs, cloaks, capes, a mace, and a coat of arms. Each one of these items is highly personal, and every Knight should seek items that reflect his or her life and mission. A writer might acquire a special pen. A banker might acquire a special coin.

There is no limit to your imagination in finding your perfect balance of Knightly items to reinforce a life of service.

© 2013 Michael Douglas Carlin. All Rights Reserved.

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