A quote from St. Bernard of Clairvaux, whose feast it is today:

. . . we must seek the world which is above and set our mind on the things of heaven.  Let us long for those who are longing for us, hasten to those who are waiting for us, and ask those who look for our coming to intercede for us. . . . we must above all seek the prayers of the saints.  Thus, what is beyond our powers to attain [the blessedness of being with Christ] will be granted through their intercession.

It’s good to remember that we have friends in high places.