Where does one begin to write a love story? At the first realization that he was "the one?" The first time the two met, or maybe the first time we ever heard of each other? Perhaps that first timid childhood thought that it might be nice to fall in love someday?
When my fiancé proposed, he presented me with a charming storybook he'd written chronicling our love story. He began with the days we were each born.
The truth is, this love story kind of sneaked up on me.
Every day since I was twelve years old, I have prayed that God would send me a man who was passionate about Him. Of course I prayed for other traits - intelligence, maturity, integrity - but I knew those would fall into place if this man possessed an all-encompassing passion to know Christ and to glorify God. I also knew I was asking for a rare find.
I wasn't really "looking" for all those years. I couldn't stand the thought of flirting, didn't look forward to dating, and barely gave a thought to what I'd want my wedding day to be like. I just prayed that someday I'd be able to marry that impossible dream I'd asked God for. High school came and went. The Christian College years passed. A couple of years as a nanny and English tutor were behind me. Even well-meaning attempts at "set-ups" by sweet family and friends didn't bring him along.
There was one night in 2008 when my cousin invited me to a Christmas party with some of his friends from church. I had a blast. I barely remember a smiling, soft-spoken young man in a striped hoodie mentioning to me that we'd taken piano lessons from the same instructor when we were children.
When my fiancé proposed, he presented me with a charming storybook he'd written chronicling our love story. He began with the days we were each born.
The truth is, this love story kind of sneaked up on me.
Every day since I was twelve years old, I have prayed that God would send me a man who was passionate about Him. Of course I prayed for other traits - intelligence, maturity, integrity - but I knew those would fall into place if this man possessed an all-encompassing passion to know Christ and to glorify God. I also knew I was asking for a rare find.
I wasn't really "looking" for all those years. I couldn't stand the thought of flirting, didn't look forward to dating, and barely gave a thought to what I'd want my wedding day to be like. I just prayed that someday I'd be able to marry that impossible dream I'd asked God for. High school came and went. The Christian College years passed. A couple of years as a nanny and English tutor were behind me. Even well-meaning attempts at "set-ups" by sweet family and friends didn't bring him along.
There was one night in 2008 when my cousin invited me to a Christmas party with some of his friends from church. I had a blast. I barely remember a smiling, soft-spoken young man in a striped hoodie mentioning to me that we'd taken piano lessons from the same instructor when we were children.
I didn't know I'd been invited to the party just so that I could meet him.
A few days later, he "friended" me on Facebook. I saw his status updates and sometimes casually perused his listed interests, at which my mom and sister remarked "Wow... he's like a male you."
At 22 years old, I'd still never been on a date. That sounds romantic and noble within some circles and it sounds backwards and sheltered within others. It wasn't any of those things. It was freeing and even fun at times. But it was also lonely and difficult.
In February 2009, I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Charo Washer, who encouraged me and my friend to cherish each season of life. She told us to embrace every opportunity for service that we were afforded while we were single. She explained that someday if we were married, we would have new doors opened for serving the Lord but would also find others closed. I remember how she admonished us not to fret about or long for the future or the past, but to savor each day just as God presented it to us. I remember thinking, "That isn't going to be easy, but it definitely sounds better than always wishing, always pining to be married."
Six months later I was invited to participate in a Christmas musical at the church much of my extended family attends. I showed up for practice the first night and there he was at the piano- that quiet guy who read all the books I loved and was interested in all the same things I was. I couldn't help stealing glances toward the piano as he played. He looked as if he were having such a marvelous time at the keys. After a few practices, I went home and told my little sister that I wished I could get to know him. What are little sisters for? She quickly assured me, "He's too cool for you." Of course he was. But I just wanted to talk to him, to see if he was really as fascinating as I thought he'd be.
One night after practice, we did talk. We talked about books. We talked about music. I think we even talked about the fact that we both preferred real Christmas trees over artificial ones. Something clicked. I couldn't sleep that night. Sorry, you hopeless romantics; it wasn't because I was dreaming of him. Earlier that day I'd been given a CD of Christmas music he'd recorded. I listened to the whole thing several times as I lay in bed. I was a fan immediately.
At some point after practice another evening, he sat at the piano playing his own arrangements of my absolute favorite songs. I stood across the room trying to converse with some other ladies there, but I didn't hear a word they said! Before I knew it, my eyes had turned to where my ears were tuned and the musician had looked up at me as well. For a brief moment- just like in the movies- we gazed. Then we both became aware of it and looked away.
A few days later, he "friended" me on Facebook. I saw his status updates and sometimes casually perused his listed interests, at which my mom and sister remarked "Wow... he's like a male you."
At 22 years old, I'd still never been on a date. That sounds romantic and noble within some circles and it sounds backwards and sheltered within others. It wasn't any of those things. It was freeing and even fun at times. But it was also lonely and difficult.
In February 2009, I had the privilege of meeting Mrs. Charo Washer, who encouraged me and my friend to cherish each season of life. She told us to embrace every opportunity for service that we were afforded while we were single. She explained that someday if we were married, we would have new doors opened for serving the Lord but would also find others closed. I remember how she admonished us not to fret about or long for the future or the past, but to savor each day just as God presented it to us. I remember thinking, "That isn't going to be easy, but it definitely sounds better than always wishing, always pining to be married."
Six months later I was invited to participate in a Christmas musical at the church much of my extended family attends. I showed up for practice the first night and there he was at the piano- that quiet guy who read all the books I loved and was interested in all the same things I was. I couldn't help stealing glances toward the piano as he played. He looked as if he were having such a marvelous time at the keys. After a few practices, I went home and told my little sister that I wished I could get to know him. What are little sisters for? She quickly assured me, "He's too cool for you." Of course he was. But I just wanted to talk to him, to see if he was really as fascinating as I thought he'd be.
One night after practice, we did talk. We talked about books. We talked about music. I think we even talked about the fact that we both preferred real Christmas trees over artificial ones. Something clicked. I couldn't sleep that night. Sorry, you hopeless romantics; it wasn't because I was dreaming of him. Earlier that day I'd been given a CD of Christmas music he'd recorded. I listened to the whole thing several times as I lay in bed. I was a fan immediately.
At some point after practice another evening, he sat at the piano playing his own arrangements of my absolute favorite songs. I stood across the room trying to converse with some other ladies there, but I didn't hear a word they said! Before I knew it, my eyes had turned to where my ears were tuned and the musician had looked up at me as well. For a brief moment- just like in the movies- we gazed. Then we both became aware of it and looked away.
But not before I saw him smile.
My curiosity was intensely piqued about this John Piper-reading, Owl City-listening, one-man-band fellow with the sweet grin.
6 remarks:
This is a very awesome love story. I can't wait to read part 2. :)
Praise the LORD! Thank you for sharing this lovely story with us. :)
Super-cool.......I check back every few seasons to see if anything is new....and what could b better, praise the Lord for His kindness now get married FAST & have lots of kids ;)
U guys still on facebook?? Check me out..blessings to the both of ya
Sweet story. Looking forward to more.
I am new to your blog--found you in the Empowered Traditionalist list of Christa Taylor :) and I am glad I did.
Waiting isn't easy, but God blesses the time when we continue to follow him and focus our minds on HIS love. I am still learning that--about His incredible love and may never know fully till eternity.
Thank you so very much, for sharing this post!!
Love and blessings in Christ,
Rachel
aww what a sweet story! :) do share part 2!! :D
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