A Baby Step

Therese of Lisieux, who died young, came up with this one about trying to pray, or meditate.  The little child wants to get to its mother who is upstairs.  It lifts its little foot to climb the first stair, but in vain.  Each renewed effort ends in failure.  The child has the right intention.  Its will is in the right place and its effort is there.  It just cannot effect union with mother.  Mother, like the Holy Mystery, eventually comes down the stairs to embrace the child, you.  Just keep trying and don't worry about your idea of successful meditation.  It is a matter of intention.  If your intention is to feel successful, better, "making progress," it is all about ego and self-will.  If it is about union with holy mystery, it will all work out.  Keep lifting that foot in daily meditation.  A Power greater than you is at work.