Every time you encounter a road block on your spiritual journey, you shouldn't go sit by the side of the road and be sad; rather, you should rejoice and give thanks. Why? I've afflicted you with woes, yes, but you're not the only one. Yes, I too know the lash, and John has let this be known to you. "As the Father has loved Me, so I love you" (15:9).
— Thomas a Kempis , The Imitation of Christ by William Griffin, translator, Thomas a Kempis