"year after year, with our thousand graces, multiplied resolutions, and fair promises, . . . a circle of misery and imperfections"

". . . we know certainly that our God calls us to a holy life, that he gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty.
     "But we lack courage to keep a continual watch over nature, and therefore, year after year, with our thousand graces, multiplied resolutions, and fair promises, we run around in a circle of misery and imperfections. After a long time in the service of God, we come nearly to the point from whence we set out, and perhaps with even less ardor for penance and mortification than when we began. . . ."

     St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Conference, as quoted in the Office of readings for 4 January, Liturgy of the hours (divineoffice.org).