“Loving someone does not mean you love GOD less.” A meaningful and touching phrase explained by the Mother Superior to Maria from the movie The Sound of Music. Indeed, it is true that many are called but few are chosen. Love is like a thief in the night; it can strike anyone without warning.
I am truly blessed to experience both divine and human love. In my late teens, I felt the blissful happiness of divine love. In that moment, praying was another realm of my spiritual soul which transformed me to find a joyful connection with “God”. I found complete serenity and tranquillity with Him. Praying in the church gave me an unexplained exultation that enveloped my body and soul.
Every Sunday, I would spend the whole day at the church doing activities, and having religious meetings. It is at this point that my parents began to get worried that I might follow the footsteps of my cousins who entered the monastery.
Then someone had touched my innocent and fragile heart. I cried, prayed and asked why me? He was a young seminarian who was soon to be an ordained priest. No words were spoken between us, but our body language, smiles and the expressions of our eyes said it all. I was confused and felt a different kind of love.
Of course, I attended his ordination, and shook his hands to congratulate him after the ceremony. He squeezed my hands tightly and with a tender tone in his voice he said, “I am sorry.” I replied in a small voice as I looked down unable to meet his gaze I said, “I understand.”
Moving on, I concentrated on my studies and finished my BS in Chemical Engineering, then, was lucky to get a job as an industrial chemist in a textile industry where I met my husband.
Out of the blue one Sunday evening at a restaurant, I bumped into the priest. I broke the news to him that I would be getting married in the next few months. He graciously offered his service to be the officiating priest. And I gladly accepted.
At the wedding reception, he asked me if I was happy with the love that I had found. I quickly responded with a smile on my face, “I am very happy.” That was the last time I saw him.
I have no regrets with my life now. I have a husband who is very supportive of all my passions and even gives a care to all my whims and caprices. A husband who loves me so dearly, with whom I raised two successful children who gave me two wonderful grandchildren. I could not ask for more.
I firmly believe, whatever love you choose, be it love for family, priests, missionaries, soldiers, country or God, they are all the same. They take and give us dedication, commitment and responsibility.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Excerpts from my book My Innermost Thoughts
At times we cry within
Yet no one can hear
The pain and hurt, only you can feel
Those shattered dreams and memories of yesteryears
That
But that was then and today is different
Years have passed and things have changed
Once again, triumphantly you emerge
