Flying without wings...

Digital Artwork by Christian Schloe

"More courage is required of those who set out on the road to perfection than of those who suddenly become a martyr, for perfection is not attained overnight.

You have yet to conquer your passions.  Yet by the very fact that you seek to love God, you expect to be extremely brave, as brave as a great saint.  You find yourself praising the Lord, but at the same time knowing deep sadness in your soul.  Many turn back at this point because they have no idea how to help themselves.

Many souls desire to fly before God gives them wings.  They begin with good desires, with great fervor and determination to advance in virtue.

Some actually give up all things for the sake of God.  Then they see other who are further along the way, great virtues to which they can only aspire.  They read books about prayer and contemplation, about all they must do to achieve their spiritual goals, and they lose heart.

Do not be troubled, but hope in the Lord.  For if you desire to do the will of the Lord, if you pray and hope in the Lord and do what you can for yourself, God will bring about in your soul all that you desire.  It is very, very important  that our weak natures should have great confidence, and not be dismayed.  We should think that if we do our best, we will be victorious!"
  (Taken from 'Let Nothing Disturb You', Teresa of Avila)