I am 31-years old. I’ve had good dates, bad dates and blind dates. I’ve had boyfriends (who never lasted more than 3-months), guy friends, plus the typical 3rd wheel experiences and feelings of loneliness and being left out for lack of a boyfriend. I’ve had my fair share of tears, plus my fair share of thrills and adventure. But thru the years, I have heard these 3 things over and over: I am too picky; too dominant for a guy to handle; and too busy for a serious relationship. But one thing I’ll never forget hearing was this from my dad: just be about my Heavenly Father’s business; the rest will fall into place.
Now here I am, engaged to the man that is the most perfect fit for me. He came into my life at a time when I least expected it, or was even looking for it. And he is above and beyond anything I could have asked for or imagined.
So here are my thoughts on my recent engagement:
1. It has been worth the wait
I have been told this so many times as well...it will be worth it. And guess what?!?!?! It is! How do I explain it??? I don’t know. It’s the old analogy of the farmer, working and sowing, then enjoying the fruits of his labor. It’s like my teams, working hard, seemingly beyond their capabilities and limits in practice, but it pays off in the game. The same is true for us. I mean, have you seen the rock on my finger?!?!?! Have you met Jimmy?!?!?! The wait is dull in comparison to what I am now reaping! And lets just add in that we both have chosen to save ourselves for marriage. Now that is priceless and the best gift I can ever give my husband on our wedding night. He has been worth the wait.
2. I’m so thankful I never compromised or settled
Plenty of men have come and gone in my life, but I knew they weren’t for me. I’ve had my struggles, doubts and dating mistakes but always knew I could never be unequally yoked. And for me that doesn’t just mean being with a non-Christian. For me that means being with someone who is equal or beyond me in terms of their devotion to Christ. I need a guy I can look up to spiritually. So if that meant waiting a little bit longer, then waiting I would do! There’s no way I’d fall for any old schmuck who tried to sweet talk me, nor would I make the same mistakes as some of my friends who have settled. No way! Maybe they got tired of waiting, or didn’t believe they were worthy of God’s best; or maybe they thought He had forgotten them so they felt the need to take matters into their own hands. Not me. I didn’t want to be miserable and full of regrets. Did God not provide a ram for Abraham to sacrifice in place of Isaac??? God provides! But we gotta trust Him...in EVERYTHING, like Abraham did, even when it meant his very son. I see how God’s hand has been on my life and spared me from settling, as I’ve kept my eyes on Him, “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith,” (Hebrews 12:2). And as unheard of as this is in today’s world, I AM A VIRGIN and so thankful I didn’t give that up under peer pressure or to experience a moment of pleasure. I have a lifetime of that ahead with my husband, and God’s stamp of approval will be on it!
3. God knows best
He knows me better than I know myself. He cares about the things that concern me. He has a plan for my life. He knows what I need and don’t need and when I need it! I trust Him. He’s in control of my life; He’s charting my course. Jimmy is perfect for me. He balances me; supports and encourages me in the various activities I’m involved in; gets along with my family and friends; is not intimidated by me; knows when to put his foot down with me; loves and values me for who I am; is passionate about Jesus; and is a Bill’s fan! The list goes on and on. God knew best when He brought us together. We are talking about the Creator of the world giving me the hook up! I’m so glad He’s in control of my life!
4. I have amazing family and friends whose love and excitement for us is extremely touching
Wowwwww. I am totally overwhelmed by the support of those around us. The Bible says to rejoice with those who rejoice. I am so grateful for those who are celebrating with us right now. It means the world and makes all of this that much more enjoyable and exciting! My heart is bursting. To be honest, I think many of them are more ecstatic than I am!
5. I have greatly enjoyed my life up until this point
Being single is no curse. Get out and enjoy life. Travel. Take a class or 2 or 10. Get involved in something. Volunteer. There’s nothing restricting you but you. The devil makes us think we are something less because we aren’t dating or married. LIES! My fulfillment comes from Christ and Christ alone. If I can’t find happiness in God and God alone then I’ll never find it in another person. Every experience in my life has brought me to this place, fashioning and molding me into who I am today. I can also honestly say I am glad I didn’t get married when I was young. I’ve been out of the country several times; traveled all over the country visiting friends; gone sky diving and bungee jumping; been to all sorts of sporting events...the list goes on and on. Being single has allowed me great freedom that my married friends, or those with kids, don’t have. They should be envious of me, not me of them!
6. Reality Check
Is this really happening to me? I think I’m still in shock. I have a fiance! We are planning a wedding. I’M GETTING MARRIED!!! We are making a guest list, looking at reception facilities and talking about where we want to go on a honeymoon. My turn has arrived. I am pumped!!! God fulfills His every promise in our lives.
7. God’s ways and thoughts and plans are higher than mine
My dear Aunt Carol told me a couple years ago that I was gonna get the best spouse out of all my siblings. She told me God was saving the best for last. Now I knew God would take care of me, but the best??? I had my thoughts of what I wanted in my man. Jimmy exceeds all of them. But beyond him, there is the matter of timing. I’m so grateful for the years I’ve been able to pour into youth ministry and coaching. Now I’m excited for how God will use us among this generation as a couple. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him,” 1 Corinthians 2:9
YIPPY! We are looking at the last weekend in September of 2012, and I want everyone there for our special day. There’s nothing better than to celebrate with the people most special to you. Remember no matter what: we serve a loving, faithful God that we can trusts in ALL things at ALL times.