Changing husbands is only changing troubles.

To be an American is to move on, as if we could outrun change. To attach oneself to place is to surrender to it, and suffer with it.

For grace to be grace, it must give us things we didn't know we needed and take us places where we didn't know we didn't want to go. As we stumble through the crazily altered landscape of our lives, we find that God is enjoying our attention as never before.

In middle age we are apt to reach the horrifying conclusion that all sorrow, all pain, all passionate regret and loss and bitter disillusionment are self-made

I was taught that I had to 'master' subjects. But who can 'master' beauty, or peace, or joy?

A short-lived fascination with another person may be exciting-I think we've all seen people aglow, in a state of being "in love with love"-but such an attraction is not sustainable over the long run. Paradoxically, human love is sanctified not in the height of attraction and enthusiasm, but in the everyday struggles of living with another person. It is not in romance but in routine that the possibilities for transformation are made manifest. And that requires commitment.

When you are unhappy, is there anything more maddening than to be told that you should be contented with your lot?