“The Perfect Love” just in time for Valentine’s Day

So today is Valentine’s Day. I remember when I was in middle and high school, my group of friends would go bowling and bring fancy decorated bags/boxes for later exchanging those little pre-maid valentines you get at Wal-Mart. Of course, later on, I would sort through them looking for one from whichever guy I was crushing on at the time. You never forget the little things; getting the standard card that a guy gives you–a notecard with one of those sweetheart candies (which I never liked–they taste awful!) that says something like “U R Cool” taped to it. But still, if you get it from some guy you like, its worthy enough to save for however long the crush lasts. Am I right ladies?

However, as I got older, I began to long for something more. I dated in high school, but being really involved with youth group and my faith led me to want something more. I was tired of the meaningless dates. One night near Valentine’s Day at youth group, my youth minister handed out these papers containing the prayer called “The Perfect Love” which has been attributed to St. Anthony of Padua (I have included it at the end of my post). This prayer is one of the most beautiful and peaceful prayers I have ever heard. Not only does it remind all who read it to seek God first and foremost, it reminds us to have patience and to trust in God’s timing.

Society today is constantly telling young men and women that they must be in relationships to be “normal.” I think it is important to remember that just being in a relationship for the sake of being in one is actually harmful to a person. Not only is it unfair to the person you are dating, it is unfair to you. If God is calling you to a vocation of Marriage (which many of us are called to), take the time to be happy with yourself and work on being in a solid relationship with God. Going to Mass often, participating in the Sacraments (especially Confession and the Eucharist), spending time at Adoration, praying the Rosary daily, etc., are all examples of ways to build your relationship with God. As one of my role models at college used to say, “always run towards God, then He will show you who is running next to you.”

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day and God Bless!

The Perfect Love

“Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone; to have a deep soul relationship with another; to be loved thoroughly and exclusively by them. But God says to Christians…NO! Not until you are satisfied and fulfilled and content with loving and being loved by me alone. I love you my child, and until you discover that only in me is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with me, exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires or longings, unless you learn this lesson first.

I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow me to give you the most thrilling plan existing; one that you cannot even imagine! I want you to have the best; please allow me to bring it to you. You just keep watching me and expecting great things.

Keep learning and listening to the things I tell you. You must wait. Do not be anxious. Don’t worry. Don’t keep looking off and away and up at me, or you’ll miss what I have to show you. And then, when you are ready, I’ll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any you could have ever dreamed of. You see, until you are ready, and the one I have for you is ready—I am working this to have you both ready at the same time—and until you are both satisfied with me and the life I’ve prepared for you, you won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with me and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty, perfection, and love that I offer you with myself.

Know that I love you. I am God Almighty. Believe and be satisfied.

Jesus, grant me the grace to desire you more and more each day, and to give my heart, my body, and my soul for your Love. Amen.” —The Perfect Love, attributed to St. Anthony of Padua