1 John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Augustine reminded me: I thought I was seeking God, but God had already sought me; I thought I had begun to love God, but God had loved me first. 1 John 4:10 utterly destroys human pride—love is not merit, but response. Looking back at every step of life, many seemingly detours, late arrivals, and useless years were actually all part of God's eternal plan. True rest is not in finally "doing something right," but in acknowledging that everything began with His love.
Loving Heavenly Father, I thank you that you did not reveal yourself to me only after I loved you; but that you loved me even before I understood, responded, or even ran away. Lord, heal my heart's desire to prove myself and my eagerness to catch up with time, and let me rest in your forefatherly grace. May everything I do today be not out of fear of loss, but out of a true response to your love. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.