Teresa of Avila (1515–1582)
It is very important that we set out on our journey with great determination. (...) If we decide to dedicate some of our time to Him, who has given us so much and still surrounds us with gifts, is it not wise to give it generously, especially since it is in our supreme interest and can be greatly beneficial to us? In the opposite case, it is not a gift, but merely a loan with the intention of taking everything back. It seems to me that this is not how one should give...
Which bride, who has been showered with many precious attentions from her groom, would not at least give him back a ring, which, though it has no real value because it belongs to him, serves at least as a guarantee that she will be his until death? And does our Lord deserve less? Can we make fun of Him by demanding back the little nothing that we give to Him? How many hours do we waste on ourselves, entertaining people who are not even grateful to us!
And therefore, if we decide to devote some of our time to prayer, let us give it to Him unreservedly... Let us dedicate it to Him generously, being determined not to take it back, despite the troubles, adversities, and dryness we might experience. Let us simply regard it as something that no longer belongs to us and be convinced that we must render an account for not having fully dedicated it to Him.
I say fully, but I do not mean to assert that we must not skip prayer even for one day or more when we have to attend to some important matters or due to some illness. It is enough to have a firm resolution. My God is not petty; He does not insist on trivialities. In fact, He will be grateful for any little bit you give Him.
The second way is good for souls that are not generous. Because they cannot give generously, it is already a lot if they can lend. And so, only when they accomplish something does the Lord count on it and adapt to their possibilities. He is not demanding; on the contrary, He is very generous and easily forgives every debt, no matter how great it may be. Therefore, He is so admirable in His reward that He does not leave without reward even the simple lifting of one's eyes, done with thoughts of Him.
(The Way of Perfection 23,1–3)
