This "little chick" could use your help.

I'm a great fan of Francis de Sales, who took time from his duties as priest, bishop, and evangelist to write prolifically. Two of his books - Introduction to the Devout Life and Treatise on the Love of God - are recognized as spiritual classics. He also wrote many letters of spiritual direction. Here is an excerpt from one of his letters:

I have one thing to tell you, so remember it well: we are sometimes so busy being good angels that we neglect to be good men and women. Our imperfections are going to accompany us to the grave, We can’t go anywhere without having our feet on the ground, yet we don’t simply lie there, sprawled in the dust. On the other hand, we mustn’t think we can fly, for we are like little chicks who don’t yet have wings. We die little by little; so our imperfections must die with us, a little each day. Dear imperfections, they force us to acknowledge our misery, give us practice in humility, selflessness, patience and watchfulness; yet, notwithstanding, God looks at the preparation of our heart and sees that it is perfect.

I certainly can relate to what de Sales has to say there... all the way up to the last clause: "yet, notwithstanding, God looks at the preparation of our heart and sees that it is perfect".

My own heart is far from perfect... miles away from perfect... And I'd love to know what you make of that phrase. Please share your thoughts.