Choosing the light

"Cynics seek darkness wherever they go. They point always to approaching dangers, impure motives and hidden schemes. They call trust naive, care romantic and forgiveness sentimental. They sneer at enthusiasm, ridicule spiritual fervor and despise charismatic behavior. They consider themselves realists who see reality for what it truly is and who are not deceived by 'escapist emotions.' But in belittling God's joy, their darkness only calls forth more darkness. People who have come to know the joy of God do not deny the darkness, but they choose not to live in it." --Henri Nouwen, "The Essential Henri Nouwen"