During over a decade of living in severe isolation and ignorance of anxiety, I often found solace in this poem. It speaks truth not only to the deepest longing of the human heart -- namely, for relationship -- but also reminds me of the truth that I am seen, fully known, and loved by an incredible God who is love (cf. 1 John 4:7-8). It was, for me, a source of strength and gave me hope that, one day, my life would be better than it was then. It's a joy to share this poem with you now. - Sarah
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A Poem Attributed to Saint Anthony of Padua
Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone,
to have a deep soul relationship with another,
to be loved thoroughly and exclusively.
But to a Christian, God says: No, not until you are satisfied,
fulfilled and content with being loved by me alone,
with giving yourself totally and unreservedly to me.
With having an intensely personal and unique relationship with me alone.
Discovering that only in me is your satisfaction to be found,
will you be capable of the perfect human relationship,
that I have planned for you.
You will never be united to another
until you are united with me.
Exclusive of anyone or anything else.
Exclusive of any other desires or longings.
I want you to stop planning, to stop wishing, and allow me to give you
the most thrilling plan existing, one you cannot imagine.
I want you to have the best. Please allow me to bring it to you.
You just keep watching me, expecting the greatest things.
Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am.
Keep listening and learning the things that I tell you.
Just wait, that’s all. Don’t be anxious, don’t worry.
Don’t look around at things others have gotten
or that I have given them.
Don’t look around at the things you think you want,
just keep looking off and away up to me,
or you’ll miss what I want to show you.
And then, when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love
far more wonderful than you could dream of.
You see, until you are ready, and until the one I have for you is ready,
I am working even at this moment
to have both of you ready at the same time.
Until you are both satisfied exclusively with me
and the life I prepared for you,
you won’t be able to experience the love that exemplified your relationship with me.
And this is perfect love.
And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love,
I want you to see in the flesh a picture of 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 utterly. I Am God.
Believe it and be satisfied.
