But what an irony! In spite of this knowledge, I felt a hollowness in my words of gratitude to you, a lack of whole-heartedness. All too quickly I became repossessed and consumed by the superficial charm and vanity of life. Now I found myself dealing with You like a worldly businessman, mechanically muttering formulae of thanks for services rendered. And I was disgusted with myself.
Then one day I stood before you, sheepishly raising my gaze to meet Your eyes, and the smile of Your forgiveness wiped away all sense of compunction. Your compassion is incomprehensible. I asked You to fill my heart with the assurance that You have accepted me as I am, and that I am Yours. ...
Our meeting that day was very brief, and at its conclusion, You rose to Your feet enveloped by your silent splendor. Then you spoke for the first time, in a tone of gentle sweetness, "Try to remember Me full-heartedly. Real repentance means absolute trust in My continual forgiving. Accept this: and the acceptance will blossom in your heart in glorious ways. Be of good cheer. Don't be despondent; never fear, I am always with you."
Again I raised my eyes to meet Your gaze, but this time I found that I could not. Your acceptance of me was overwhelming. Instead, I found my glance had focused on your feet, and I wished I could wash them with the tears of my gratitude.
