"Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering  your own imperfections but instantly set about remedying them--every day begin the task anew." (St. Francis de Sales)

Sometimes we are too demanding on ourselves, because we expect to be perfect now. We forget, like growth, getting better is a process, a journey that takes time and patience. When we fall short, as we will, we can get discouraged and even give up. What we need is the grace of perseverance and the resolve to keep going. We are in a marathon, not a dash. Like a tree that is planted today, we will not see any noticeable growth. But look at the tree a year later, we will see some growth. The same is true, if we persevere in our own journey. Only by looking back over a period of time may allow us to see growth.