Trouble with a Capital L-U-K-E

Staring at the computer screen, I was taken by his smile. He gazed as if looking deep into my heart, as if he already knew me, faults and all. It was love at first sight, a love deeper, wider, and stronger than anyone could imagine. It was the beginning of a journey that would transform my heart, soul, and mind to a better place, a better time, and a better perspective. It was also the beginning of a roller coaster emotional ride that tested my patience, stretched my imagination, and challenged me to be more than I could ever be (and then some).

Picking up the phone, I dialed the number listed. He was just too cute not to call. I had to at least try to meet him. A woman answered the phone, bringing me back to reality. I asked if he was available and she said yes. She asked if I could wait to visit the next night, and I said I could. My heart skipped a beat as I hung up the phone.

I printed his picture from the Internet and reread his profile several times. He was dark and handsome, very young-looking, and seemed to want to jump off the page with energy. His eyes drew me most to him. They were very clear and bright, almost surreal, inviting me into a charming spell.

Glancing at the calendar on the wall, I noticed it was December 19, 2005. My mind ticked through thoughts of the coming days: Two more days until December 21, then the days would get longer. YES! No more long, lonely, dark nights. Six more days until Christmas. Wouldn’t it be great to have him with Gram, Nikki, and me for Christmas?

I showed his picture to my German shepherd, Nikki, and asked, “What do you think, Nik?”

She looked down at the paper, then up at me. Her eyes were starry and bright like always. She shifted on her back legs almost as if she wanted to say something, yet could not find the words.

“I’m going to meet him tomorrow night. Don’t tell Gram yet, just in case things don’t go well. Okay?” I said as I patted Nikki on the head.

I was really taking a leap of faith here, doing something I had never dreamed of doing. Inside, I felt nervous, excited, and restless all at once. My mind raced with questions: What if he doesn’t like me? What if he doesn’t like the old farm house where we live? What if I don’t meet all the criteria required? What will others think?

Though I felt ill-prepared for what I was about to do, something inside said I had to do it. Whether it was faith, fate, fear, or some other stimulus, I don’t know. I do know that what happened in the days, weeks, months, and years that followed is a great story, an amazing experience with life’s good and bad sides, and a true testament to how God knows what we need, how to deliver what we need, and when to deliver what we need to us. His methods are not orthodox, nor common, but rather subtle, almost hidden in the maze of life until revealed to us.

Had I known what was to come next, I would have never entered the relationship—never, ever. It was a good thing I did not know, for I would have missed some of the greatest (and most trying) learning experiences in my life. I also would have missed out on experiencing love and the many trials it accompanies a person through in life. Love, along with faith and hope, are what guide us through the unknown and the unseen.

This is how God works. He keeps things hidden until the appointed time (deemed by Him) is right. We must rely on faith, have hope, and trust His love as we wait for events to unfold. Then He makes things happen either in a trickle or a flood, creating moments of enlightenment for us. These moments of enlightenment in turn provide perspective and wisdom for the remaining days upon our journey through life’s seasons.