Earth as we are, let us walk on earth, since the deep sea turns our head and makes us reel. Let us remain at our Lord s feet with Mary; let us practice those little virtues which are adapted to our littleness; and there are virtues that are exercised rather in descending than in ascending, the better for our weakness. Such are patience, the bearing with our neighbour and doing him service, humility, sweetness, courage, affability, the endurance of our own imperfections, and other little virtues like them. I do not say that we are not to ascend by means of prayer; but it must be step by step. –St Francis de Sales