Because I've been short on time today, I'm reposting the story of my first face-to-face with my beloved after God had forged our connection online.
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My bags were packed; plans were made for my mother to drive me to the airport. It was the night before my flight, and there was nothing left to do but talk with Rick on the phone and sleep. I was excited, but also nervous and listening yet again to fear and doubt, words that were not coming from the mouth of God.
“What if you decide I'm too ugly” I asked “I'm scared. I'm sure of God but not sure of me.”
“Why don't you take a tranquilizer or sleeping pill if you have one” he said. “You need to get some rest tonight and not worry so. Unless you develop Elephant Man disease overnight, there is nothing to worry about.”
Somehow his words and the time we spent in prayer together soothed me and I was able to get a little bit of sleep. I rose ready to face whatever the Lord was about to do.
When my mother was dropping me off at the airport, she asked “Are you going to come back married?”
“Maybe so” I answered, not wanting to admit that we had already planned for that.
“Will you call when you get there, to let us know you're safe?”
“Of course I will Mom, and don't worry.” A quick hug and kiss goodbye and I walked into the airport terminal and a new beginning.
Once the plane had reached cruising altitude I did what came naturally. I pulled out my journal and began to write:
“It is so bright up here in God's light. Surrounded by the light this morning on the first part of journey. But.. I have had His light around me for weeks now. I am so sure of Him, in a way I had not previously felt.
Oh my precious Father, what new words can I find to praise You? How to best let Your name be glorified? Let Your light shine through me, Lord, for every living soul to see Your reflection in me.
I ask for guidance this morning Father, trusting that You will lead me where You want me, but not quite trusting myself. Let me not chase after my own desires, but continue to seek what You desire of me.”
The time spent in prayer and reflection soothed my spirit. Stashing the journal back in my carry on, I was ready for the plane to land and to walk into the arms of the man who waited for me.
I stood in the immigration services line with my passport, thinking it odd that Canada was a foreign country. When I was called to the desk, the officer asked me “What is the purpose of your visit, business or pleasure?”
“Pleasure. Definitely pleasure” I replied, while thinking “and about my Father's business”
The officer stamped my passport and I was free to retrieve my bags when they came around on the carousel. The two suitcases were bulky and hard to handle and I felt foolish for packing so much.
One more line to wait in for the customs agent, who simply took my declaration card and said “Welcome to Canada” and I walked through the doors to find Rick, wearing the hat he said he would wear so I would recognize him, just in case he looked different than his picture.
After weeks of imagining what it would feel like, I was held tight in his embrace. Then he whispered very clearly in my ear “a hundred and ten percent, baby.”
I remembered his words to his pastor when he had asked Rick how he could be so sure I was the right woman for him. “I'm 99 percent sure now. When I meet her at the airport I'll be a hundred percent sure.”
“Hundred and ten, eh?” I laughed, feeling every bit of apprehension drain from my being. I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be, at last.
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8 comments:
well, it's my first time reading it...and it was wonderful.
It's my first time reading it too that I almost squealed. This is a very familiar journey....as mine went along the same lines, except his name was Vince and he was the one flying to meet me in Texas. But lots of the same fears, prayers, phone calls, decisions before meeting and etc. And He settled my fears with an answer, the true story of Rebekah and Isaac...the Servant's search which brought us together. :)
Wonderful story! :)
Great story. How exciting!
SO glad you decided to repost this marvelous story! It is amazing how God works his graceful way in this life and your story speaks so beautifully to that truth. When I was a pastor, I did a few weddings and about half of them came about because of the internet. God is at work in all the pieces of human culture and it is wondrous to behold. Thanks for this.
Love your story! Thank you for reposting it! I love hearing how everyone mets there someone.
Oh! I got goosebumps! What a wonderful moment, and I loved how you were able to be honest with him beforehand about your anxiety. Thanks so much for sharing this!! :)
Yours is such a beautiful story of love and discovering the ONE God has arranged for you.
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