# HE LOVED HER, BUT HE LOVED HIS CALLING MORE ## Episode 2: The Hardest Decision Samuel did not sleep that night. Grace's message kept returning to his mind. The next morning, he decided to distance himself. He stopped visiting her. He reduced their conversations. But Grace noticed immediately. “Samuel, why are you avoiding me?” “I am not avoiding you.” “You are.” He remained silent. Finally, he said: “Grace, I care about you. That's why I need to be honest.” She looked at him. “I don't want my feelings for you to destroy something I have given my life to.” Grace became emotional. “So you don't have feelings for me?” Samuel looked away. “That is not what I said.” She began crying. “Then why can't we just see where this goes?” Samuel had no easy answer. Because deep down, he wanted to. He loved her company. He loved her kindness. And sometimes he imagined what life would be like if he had never entered the seminary. One evening, he entered the chapel and knelt before the Blessed Sacrament. “Lord, if I am choosing You, give me the strength to let go of anything that is taking Your place in my heart.” He cried quietly. The following day, Grace came to see him one last time. “I don't want to fight your vocation,” she said. Samuel looked at her. “I know.” “I just wish things were different.” “So do I.” They stood there silently. Then Grace asked: “If you love me, why are you leaving?” Samuel's eyes filled with tears. “Because sometimes loving someone means refusing to lead them somewhere you cannot go with them.” Grace hugged him. And for a moment, Samuel almost changed his mind. But then he remembered why he entered the seminary. He gently stepped back. “Please pray for me.” Grace nodded. “I will.” But neither of them knew that this goodbye would not be their final encounter. To be continued… #catholic #priesthood #vocations - @podo6414