The Re-Date (Part 4 of 4)

This is a long story. Grab a cup of tea. Here's Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

I really did not intend to give him an ultimatum. I was just trying to protect my heart. God used our Christmas conversation as a catalyst for some real reflection for my man. Our conversation prompted him to rethink our saga. He decided that he did need to “fish or cut bait.” Finally! So, as he mulled over the pros and cons of our relationship he realized the single greatest issue was timing. He was a Surgical Intern when we started dating. Despite how glamorous Grey’s Anatomy makes it look—the truth is: Interns are slaves. He decided we had not been able to give our relationship a fair shot. He couldn’t get over me without revisiting our relationship now that we were in a different life phase. (You know, where he only worked 80-90 hours a week.)

When he called that February night, I was so happy to hear his voice...but after a minute or two of pleasantries, I reminded him that although it was great to talk with him, I had really meant what I said.
"I know."
"Then, why are you calling me?"
"Do you remember exactly what you said?"
"I asked you not to call me again, unless you were calling to ask me out on a date."
"What would you say if I said I was calling to ask you out on a date?"
"I'd be very skeptical."

I was still in shock when I agreed to accept his invitation. I was leaving for 7 days in Singapore & Hong Kong for business 5 days later. So, we set a date the night before I left for my trip.

I was blown away by this turn of events. It had been 22 months since we had been on a date. My sweet friends were very protective. I was worried that I would have my guard up so high we wouldn't stand a chance. But God was absolutely in the midst of the situation. Our date was a real time of "rediscovering" each other. I had a confidence I had not had before. Meanwhile, he was rested and intent on following this relationship to its completion. We both knew there was a lot on the line.

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You." Isaiah 26:3

I think my trip overseas was God's timing, as well. We had 7 days after the date to each step back and reflect on what we were potentially embarking on. The 6th day of my trip was Valentine's Day. I was alone in the hotel business center in Hong Kong when I received a Valentine e-card from him. My emotionally reserved and cautious man was making a grand gesture.

Four months later we travelled to Maine to visit his sister and her family. As we looked over the rocks at Arcadia National Park at the crashing waves, my future husband told me he loved me for the first time. After all we had been through, those 3 little words had never been uttered. He had told me very early on in our relationship that he would never say those words until he was certain it was the woman he was going to marry. (I told you he is a man of integrity!) He might as well have proposed to me that afternoon. Four weeks later, he did. Five months after that we were married.

I don't like to share our story unless I can tell the whole long thing...because I think people can misunderstand and think we are not stable or that we got old, scared and settled. The truth is, I have absolutely no doubt this is exactly what God had planned for us all along. I never understood people "embracing their pain" until I went through all this and realized how much more keenly you appreciate your blessings when you have been broken, bruised and refined on the road to receiving them. The same could be said of my journey to motherhood.

The Sovereignty of God. The sanctification that happens along the way. Beauty from ashes. Glory to God. I feel like I write about this all the time, but it seems to be a common theme in my life.

"All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:6

We thought our courtship was exciting...then came triplets. We cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us next.

"I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. I live and breathe God; if things aren't going well, hear this and be happy: Join me in spreading the news; together let's get the word out. God met me more than halfway, he freed me from my anxious fears. Look at him; give him your warmest smile. Never hide your feelings from him. When I was desperate, I called out, and God got me out of a tight spot. God's angel sets up a circle of protection around us while we pray. Open your mouth and taste, open your eyes and see— how good God is. Blessed are you who run to him. Psalm 34:1-8 (The Message)