He grinned at her, and she grinned at him, and it seemed to Maria that suddenly the sun came out.

All we are asked to bear we can bear.

cowardice more than any other failing demands a ruthless paying of the price from those who give it hospitality.

"Most of us tend to belittle all suffering except our own," said Mary. "I think it's fear. We don't want to come too near in case we're sucked in and have to share it".

The whole universe was stilled as if listening for a voice. For the space of one heartbeat there was peace on earth. For one fraction of a moment there was no deed of violence wrought on earth, no hatred, no fire, no whirlwind, no pain, no fear. Existence rested against the heart of God, then sighed and journeyed again.

[Salvation] is a curious process of divine burglary. The first thing to be wrested from one by a God who said 'Thou shalt not steal' is one's good opinion of one's self.

In my opinion, too much attention to weather makes for instability of character.