"There are in truth three states of the converted: the beginning, the middle, and the perfection. In the beginning they experience the charms of sweetness; in the middle the contests of temptation; and in the end the fullness of perfection." Pope St. Gregory the Great 

This is the spiritual journey that we are on. It began for us in Baptism, but we were too young to know. Later, we had a " conversion" experience, when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The full grace of our baptism was released. The reality of sin became clearer to us as we moved on. Not that we no longer sinned, but we saw sin for what it is. We began to deal with our sins, seeking through the Sacraments the grace to move from darkness into light. Without knowing, we were on the road of perfection, which is completed in death and if necessary the purifying fires of purgatory. Keep your eyes on the prize.