How can a soul so imperfect as mine aspire to the fullness of love? What is the key to this mystery? My only friend, why do you not reserve these infinite longings for lofty souls, for the eagles which soar in the heights? I am only a little unfledged bird. Yet the eagle’s spirit is mine, and notwithstanding my littleness I dare to gaze upon the divine Sun of Love. I would like to fly as the eagle does, but I can only flutter my wings – it is beyond my feeble strength to soar.

ST THERESE OF LISIEUX
FROM BY LOVE ALONE: DAILY READINGS WITH ST THERESE OF LISIEUX, ED. MICHAEL HOLLINGS (DARTON, LONGMAN & TODD, 2004)