Letters of Spiritual Direction to a Young Soul - Letter Twenty-eight Part II and Letter Twenty-nine Part I

In our discussion of letter 28 and 29 with St. Theophan, we learn that the embrace of the life of Grace is not something that is done by impulse or passively but involves an unyielding decision to give oneself over to the pursuit of it, enkindling the desire for it, laboring to maintain it and helping it bear fruit. We must see Grace as the most treasured thing and most valuable thing we could possibly possess. This involves acknowledging its presence within us, comprehending the value of grace, desiring with all of our strength to adapt our lives to it, resolving to achieve whatever God desires to accomplish through it, and carrying our decision to reality. We must forget the self and have God and his will as our sole desire. This, St. Theophan tells Anastasia, is only the beginning of the spiritual life. Great patience and constancy are needed; for we are involved in a spiritual warfare that extends to the end of our life. We must have the courage to wage the battle at every moment.