“One cannot be deeply responsive to the world without being saddened very often.” ~ Erich Fromm

“Our vision is so limited we can hardly imagine a love that does not show itself in protection from suffering. The love of God is of a different nature altogether.  It does not hate tragedy.  It never denies reality.  It stands in the very teeth of suffering.  The love of God did not protect His own Son.  That was the proof of His love—that He gave that Son, that He let Him go to Calvary’s cross, though ‘legions of angels’ mught have rescued Him.  He will not necessarily protect us-not from anything it takes to make us like His Son.  A lot of hammering and chisling and purifying by fire will have to go into the process.” ~ Elisabeth Elliot, Passion and Purity

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. ~ The Book of Common Prayer