On the way to Catechism on Wednesday, September 12, 2012, my daughter Alyssa (who is preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation) and I were very close to the church when Jesus came and proposed to me right there in the car while I was driving. I was in physical pain and exhausted, and was rather surprised by the sudden proposal. It seemed unexpected, but really came as no surprise because I can clearly see now that God gently led me to, and prepared me for, that moment through the course of my entire life.
Perhaps it was the timing that was so surprising. Here is some background information, which was originally written anonymously. The Lord wants it shared with you to help you achieve greater intimacy with Him, and so it is no longer possible to remain hidden: The Story "Jesus, I Trust in You!"
That night in the car I was so tired I couldn't really think well, although I knew without a doubt what Jesus had said. Keeping my primary focus on the the road and getting to the church, I said to Jesus, "Did You just proposition me?" and He replied, "Proposed. I proposed."
Jesus is so delightful. What a gentleman.
A short while later, I said to Him, "Jesus, that was one very long engagement!"
We already had the ring. It had been acquired in 1999 as a sign of fidelity and never-ending love: Symbols Remind Us of God's Tremendous Love
Uncle Jeff walking me down the isle at St.
Angela Catholic Church in Roseville, Michigan,
on August 11, 1989, the Feast of St. Philomena. Celebrant: Father George Browne.
I was 24, and about to accept a very, very heavy Cross. + + +
on August 11, 1989, the Feast of St. Philomena. Celebrant: Father George Browne.
I was 24, and about to accept a very, very heavy Cross. + + +
I was still married when God had me purchase the ring in 1999. At that time, God knew that the devil was treacherously hard at work dividing our family. God allowed him to be successful.
Our children, Andre, Alyssa, and Nick in 1999.
God had blessed my marriage so abundantly.
When our ring was purchased, it was the beautiful and holy occasion of my tenth wedding anniversary, but God and I were the only ones celebrating. He and I chose the ring together. I had no idea at that time that my marriage would end in divorce and I would be granted an annulment.
I also didn't know that God had already begun claiming me for Himself.
Several months before the Lord's proposal two weeks ago, Jesus had already inspired me to move the ring from my right hand to my left one.
This year marks the very significant tenth anniversary of His invitation to attend Holy Mass and receive Him in the Eucharist every day. I accepted that magnificent offer right away.
Throughout the evening of the proposal, Jesus and I engaged in a discussion. I mentioned that I had always thought He wanted me to remarry some day. He replied, "The choice is yours."
Then I playfully told Him that usually a man makes arrangements for such a significant event, and wondered why He proposed when I was so tired, and really in no shape for such a special occasion. He explained that in the spiritual realm things are very different; He proposed when I was suffering and had taken on His likeness, which made me very beautiful in His eyes.
How lovely, sweet and gentle Jesus.
Then I came to the realization, Who waits to say "Yes" after a wonderful man has proposed? Immediately after that I responded with great joy, "Yes, Jesus, of course. Yes!"
And so it became official two days later, on a Friday evening at the very next Holy Mass I was well enough to attend, after seeing a message about an added evening Holy Mass pop up on Facebook. How significant that it was a children's Mass.
So on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Jesus and I became mystically espoused to one another, and at the end of Holy Mass Jesus received a kiss from His new bride after Fr. Luigi invited the congregation forward to venerate and kiss the Cross.
How has our most loving Savior been pursuing you, and summoning you to greater Divine intimacy? How has He been preparing you throughout the course of your entire life.
Do not ever limit God's love and the work He wants to accomplish in your soul and through your life, and for heaven's sake don't ever shut Him out! He is so in love with you (great big smile). +
© Joseph Karl Publishing/Michele Bondi Bottesi
.png){kind=link}
