We recognize that our lives are given and sustained by God's love and grace. We are called to surrender to God and to allow God's love to continually transform us, so that we may respond by loving God and others.
One way of measuring your spiritual progress in that regard is to reflect on what type of person you are becoming in thought, word, and deed. Are you inwardly experiencing and outwardly projecting the fruits of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity (see CCC, no. 1832; Galatians 5:22–23). Are you becoming a person of humility, integrity and holiness (wholeness)? Do you express gratitude to God and to others? Are you becoming more compassionate, friendly, forgiving, inclusive and tolerant of others? Do you engage in acts of selfless service to others in need?
These changes may not begin to occur until you reach your “tipping point,” when you begin to recognize your need for change; by envisioning and opening yourself up to a more life-enhancing and abundant way of being through surrending to the love and transforming power of the Holy Spirit; by fostering an environment condusive to such transformation and growth, not only in yourself but also in your relationships with God, others, and the material world around you; and by allowing the Holy Spirit to empower you to live and advance the reign of God's love, peace, justice, healing, mercy, and salvation in your spheres of influence.
Sometimes the tipping point may be reached through a particular life event (e.g. death of a loved one, divorce, serious illness, loss of employment, recognition of an addiction). Other times, it may manifest itself gradually over time; even where others begin to be aware of positive changes emanating from within you before you see them in yourself. Whichever way it occurs, the key is for you to desire it and to be open to the presence and power of God to transform you.