The important thing is not to think much,
     but to love much;
        and so, do that which best stirs you to love.

Saint Teresa of Avila

Before you ask God for what you want,
     first thank God for what
         you have.

Talmud, B'rachot 30b

I do not desire suffering;
     yet fool I am,
             I desire the cause of suffering!

Shantideva

How long will you keep pounding on an open door
     begging for someone to open it?   

Rabi'a  al-'Adawiyya 

Was the door ever closed?

Salih Qazwani always taught his disciples, "Who knocks at the door of someone constantly, one day the door must be opened to him" Rabi'a one day heard it and said,

"Salih, how long 'will you go on preaching thus, using the future tense, saying 'will be opened'? Was the door ever closed? It was ever open."