I had previously been in two long-term
relationships; neither was healthy or God-pleasing. I did come to know my Lord and Savior through
the first young man, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.
I was very much ‘involved’ with the second
man. But
from the very beginning, even as a new Christ follower, I knew in my heart that God was not pleased with this
unequally-yoked relationship. And so, in
obedience to what I knew He was telling me, I, with a breaking heart, walked
away.
For six months I spent every spare minute
away from work and school, praying and reading His life-giving, heart-healing word. It was one of the sweetest times I can
remember... sitting on the floor in that little apartment, just me, my Bible,
and my Lord. It was the first time in my life that I experienced... soul deep joy. How
wonderful was that of my loving God?!
Over the next few weeks John made several
trips out to my store, bringing more and more and more jewelry, until the cases were
bursting with gold, watches, and precious stones. I'm sure I had the most well-stocked store in the district! Each time he
came, we would stand over the diamond case talking about everything... and
nothing. {Fortunately, business was slow!}
I was beginning to really like this guy, but was seriously wondering if he was ever going to ask me out! After several weeks, he finally wrestled up
enough courage {he was afraid I'd say 'No'!} to ask me out for something to drink after work. We sat at a restaurant, drinking iced tea
until two in the morning. For hours we
talked about our faith, our families; we laughed and talked some more. And so it began.
He would call every Tuesday night at 10:00
to ask me out for the weekend. We would
usually talk until one in the morning.
Saturday night was date night and would finally end at one or two a.m. After way too little sleep, I'd meet him bright and early Sunday morning for church. It’s amazing how young love requires so little sleep! {I'd never be able to do that now!}
We spent a year getting to know each other and spending time with our families. I spent so much time on my knees, asking my Father for clarity and direction. I didn't want to get it wrong... again. What God revealed in so many ways, was that John and I were absolutely... right. Oh yes, he was the one! He was kind, strong, funny, loving, caring, and most importantly, he had a soul-deep love for the Lord. We made a covenant with our merciful God on May 1st, 31 years ago.
As I look back, I see how my loving Father gave me the strength and determination to walk away from those outside of His plan... A plan that graciously brought healing to my heart and John into my life.
John and I have certainly had our highs and lows; we've laughed together, argued together, cried together, and grieved together. Through God's grace, we're still learning how to love one another well. But through it all, we've remained committed to each other and determined to protect the covenant we made with our Lord, 31 years ago... from this day forward. Oh, how I love this man!
I'd love to hear how you met your husband!
Leave a comment!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,
"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Mary
