You are sometimes disposed to have great hopes that you will make a progress in a pious and godly life, and when it seems to be otherwise you are dejected and unhappy. You get discouraged in religion. But your view of what is progress would have been too low and confined if you could easily attain to it. You fall short not so much of what you did have, as of what you ought to have had in view, the true mark of a Christian calling. Beware even more of being lifted up by success in resisting temptations, overcoming difficulties, and bearing trials. For, remember that all strength for such success is from God through Christ, who worketh in us to will and to do of His good pleasure. Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might, and He will uphold and lead you onward. We are alas! very slow to learn what we should, from the commencement of our Christian course, have held fast with mind and heart, the ability and willingness of our dear Lord to save to the uttermost all who come to God by Him. Keep on in the strait and narrow way of consistent profession. Maintain prayer, public and private. Be constant at Holy Communion; walk humbly with God; meekly, watchfully, and lovingly with your neighbour. Prize your privileges as members of Christ's Holy Catholic Church. God will not leave you, if you do not leave Him.
- text taken from Daily Bread - Bring a Few Morning Meditations for the Use of Catholic Christians by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp