Why in the Brachos before Shema do we talk about the angels? What does that have to do with us??
We are supposed to be like angels!! We are not just talking about them - we are talking about ourselves. The Mesilas Yesharim says when discussing the Middah of Zrizus [alacrity]:
The angels were praised for possessing this good trait as written: "[Bless the L-rd, His angels,] those mighty in strength, who perform His word, hearkening to the voice of His word" (Tehilim 103:20); and "the Chayot dash to and fro like the appearance of a flash of lightning" (Yechezkel 1:14). Behold, a man is a man and not an angel, hence it is impossible for him to attain the might of an angel, but he should certainly strive to do all he can to come as close to that level as possible. King David would praise (G-d) for his portion saying: "I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments" (Tehilim 119:60).
The Ramchal asserts that we can be similar to angels and serve Hashem with Zrizus!!!
[עי' בספר הזכרון לגר"ד שוורצמן מעמוד קכ"ח]
