a harsh and dreadful thing

Never be frightened at your own faintheartedness in attaining love, and meanwhile do not even be frightened by your own bad acts. I am sorry that I cannot say anything more comforting, for active love is a harsh and fearful thing compared with love in dreams. --The Brothers Karamazov

"Colin," I asked, startled, "What is on your finger?? Is that poop on your finger?" "Oh, no, Mom," he said seriously, "I just wiped it on your shirt."