Why I Can't Write, and Why I Do

From Walking on Water, by Madeleine L'Engle:

It may be that we have lost our ability to hold a blazing coal, to move unfettered through time, to walk on water, because we have been taught that such things have to be earned; we should deserve them; we must be qualified. We are suspicious of grace. We are afraid of the lavishness of the gift.

But a child rejoices in presents!