Life as a Pure Gift

Resentment and gratitude cannot coexist, since resentment blocks the perception and experience of life as a gift. My resentment tells me that I don't receive what I deserve. It always manifests itself in envy. Gratitute, however, goes beyond the "mine" and "thine" and claims the truth that all life is a pure gift.
- Henry J. M. Nouwen, The Dance of Life: Weaving Sorrows and Blessings into One Joyful Step, edited by Michael Ford, Ave Marie Press, paperback, $12.95