Alas, how easily things go wrong! A sigh too much, a kiss too long And there follows a mist and a weeping rain And life is never the same again
George MacdonaldRead
Come, then, affliction, if my Father wills, and be my frowning friend. A friend that frowns is better than a smiling enemy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embracing challenges and difficulties can be more beneficial than having false friends.
In this quote, George Macdonald expresses the idea that facing hardships is preferable to having superficial or deceitful relationships. Afflictions, when accepted as part of one's destiny, can serve as valuable teachers and allies, highlighting the importance of authenticity and truth in friendship, even if it comes with discomfort.
Themes
AfflictionFriendshipChallengesTruthWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a motivational speech to inspire resilience in the face of adversity.
More from George Macdonald
All quotes βIt is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.
George MacdonaldRead
He may delay because it would not be safe to give us at once what we ask: we are not ready for it. To give ere we could truly receive, would be to destroy the very heart and hope of prayer, to cease to be our Father. The delay itself may work to bring us nearer to our help, to increase the desire, perfect the prayer, and ripen the receptive condition.
George MacdonaldRead
When I can no more stir my soul to move, and life is but the ashes of a fire; when I can but remember that my heart once used to live and love, long and aspire- O, be thou then the first, the one thou art; be thou the calling, before all answering love, and in me wake hope, fear, boundless desire.
George MacdonaldRead
But words are vain; reject them allβ They utter but a feeble part: Hear thou the depths from which they call, The voiceless longing of my heart.
George MacdonaldRead
Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.
George MacdonaldRead
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