Contemplatives in the market place

Do not leave off prayer on account of aridity, affliction, etc. Remain before your God, wholly absorbed in his love, detached from all satisfaction. When you find yourself in such a state, help yourself with occasional darts of love, such as: “Ah, my God, my true Good, I am Yours!” Then remain peacefully in his presence even though you cannot meditate, which does not matter. With regard to these affections or loving darts, do not force your spirit in making them, but do so gently, for now you must not be governed as in the beginning. Afterward, if it seems to you that you have done nothing right, do not be disturbed. Rejoice at being so poor and needy before God, and that he alone is infinitely rich and is able to enrich you in an instant. ~Paul of the Cross to Lucy Burlini (Burlini's 6th letter on August, 1772 in Vol. 3 on Page 114 for Paul's Letter 1959)

The soul that truly loves God is not slothful in doing all she can to find the Son of God, her Beloved. Even after she has done everything, she is dissatisfied and thinks she has done nothing. ~John of the Cross "The Spiritual Canticle"