God's Will by St. Alphonsus de Liguori (1696 - 1787)

Who knows perhaps if God had given us greater talent, better health, a more personable appearance, we might have lost our souls!  Great talent and knowledge have caused many to be puffed up with the idea of their own importance and in their pride they have despised others.  How easily those who have gifts fall into grave danger to their salvation!  How many on account of physical beauty or robust health have plunged headlong into a life of debauchery!  How many, on the contrary, who by reason of poverty, infirmity, or physical deformity, have become saints and have saved their souls; who if given health, wealth, or physical attractiveness had else lost their souls?  Let us then be content with what God has given us.  But one thing is necessary and it is not beauty, not health, not talent, [and I might add: profit, power, pride, prestige, popularity, or pleasure].  It is the salvation of our immortal souls.