On the other hand, perseverance in one's vocation is essential for spiritual growth. Love alone motivates and sustains our quest for holiness. But love is hard work. It requires sacrifice and letting go. In the quiet of our hearts we learn to turn everything over to God, to die to self, to live totally for Jesus.
Salesian thought recognizes that spiritual progress come slowly and, often, at great cost.
Yet it also recognizes that in turning our hearts to God, in doing God's will, we find our greatest happiness and fulfillment. We only have the present moment, the here and now, in which to respond to God. But focusing on the present can be difficult. We may regret past actions, or fret about an uncertain future. Even positive memories, or daydreams about happy times to come, can distract us from present opportunities.