In his adult life, he would join forces with his older contemporary, Teresa of Avila, to reform the Carmelite order. His childhood, however, bore little relation to her relatively privileged upbringing. His peasant father died when John was two years old, and Luis, an older brother, died two years after that. At an early age, John showed a bright mind, devotion to God, and great concentration directed toward achieving his goals. When he decided that he wanted to become a priest, he went to school and began mounting the long ladder of preparation for the religious life.
Some saints have dramatic conversions after years of being in love with the world.
Others drift along, tugged first by the world and then by love of God, until finally one unmistakable yank pulls them into God's camp once and for all. John of the Cross certainly didn't coast into heaven. But despite his human desires for comfort, pleasure, and earthly rewards, his will was set firmly on the most direct course to God. A companion to I Have Called You by Name.