You loved us first, oh God.
Alas, we speak of it as if you loved us first one time only, historically speaking, when in very truth, without ceasing, you love us first all the time.
When I awaken in the morning and my soul turns at once toward you, you are first. You have already turned toward me.
If I rise at dawn and in the very first second of my awakening my soul turns to you in prayer, you have beat me to it.
You have already turned in love toward me.
Thus, we speak ingratitude if, unthankful and unaware, we speak of you as having loved us first only one time.