Worth the Wait

I dated enough of the wrong guys to know when I met the right one.

I faced enough anxiety, guilt, regret, and heartache over those years to be able to recognize the symptoms of "he's not the right one" within a week or two of a first date.

Through those years I prayed, I fasted, I longed.

When I moved to Sioux Falls in 2007, I sincerely thought that I was signing the death certificate on my longings to be married. Finding a good guy in my hometown? HA!

But God loves surprises.

I moved back home to Sioux Falls not because I believed I would fall in love and start a family there, but because I believed it was what God wanted me to do.

Because I was obedient, I was blessed.

Blessed beyond what I ever thought I deserved. Blessed beyond even what I thought I wanted.

I made a "good little Christian" list when I was 16 of all of the traits that I wanted in my future husband. This list was meant to keep me focused through my dating years and to help me to not waste time on those who did not meet my standards; it had wonderful intentions.

Although I am a sucker for lists, this one was hard to stick to. It seemed impossible, my standards were too high. So I wavered from it and eventually abandoned it.

But......when I was 25, I began dating the man who met every single criteria on my list.

I wrote this to him after we had been dating a month:
"You have entirely swept me off of my feet, and I find absolute delight in believing that this is from the heart of God. If it was just you and me in this relationship, it would still be pretty cool, but with God as the reason and purpose and the honoree of our relationship - wow, I just feel incredibly blessed to get to share this journey with you. I love you very much, and I have such a peace in my spirit, such a comfort in your presence, and such a joy in getting to know you more."


After 5 years together (4 years of marriage), I look back with wonderment at the journey thus far. 


Do I sometimes get annoyed at his snoring or at how long it takes him to pick up a short list of items at Target?


Maybe. 


But when I look at him, I still see the man who has my heart. I still see the man with the kind eyes and the bright smile. I still see the man who specializes in making me feel loved and special. 


I still see the man that I know God meant for me. 


I still know that I am crazy blessed. 


It was worth the wait.