O Lord my God! I cannot speak to you at present without both tears of sadness and also overwhelming joy.  You desire constantly to be present within me; and for that my soul is filled with gladness.  Yet despite your wonderful love, I still so often do things which offend and upset you.  Is it possible, Lord, for a soul which has received such blessings as you have bestowed on my soul, still to remain so hard and stubborn?  Yes, I know it is possible, because I so frequently rebuff your advances and reject your blessings.  Perhaps I am the only person alive who treats you so badly.  I hope so, because I cannot bear the thought of others offending you in the same measure.

Teach me, Lord, to sing of your mercies.  Turn my soul into a garden, where the flowers dance in the gentle breeze, praising you with their beauty.  Let my soul be inspired by your Holy Spirit; let me praise you always.

St. Teresa of Ávila, 1515-1582, Spanish mystic, Carmelite nun and reformer