How great is it that the Lord imparts to us the gift of understanding. Many think we receive this gift in order that we might comprehend the ways of God, but we receive this gift primarily so that we can understand ourselves. The Lord taught us that we must love others as we love ourselves, which is only possible to the extent that we have a deep understanding of both our strengths and our weaknesses. Saint Thérèse of Lisieux said she loved her nothingness; that is what kept her clinging to Christ.

—from Prayer Everywhere: The Spiritual Life Made Simple