When God Authors Love...



Note: This blogpost was written the day before my birthday (7.4.12) but the overfilled nature of life has kept me from posting it until now.
I remember the first time it occurred to me that I might be married someday... I was just finishing the recital of names I had decided upon for the dozen children I thought I would have. Six boys and six girls. :)
Perhaps I was nine or ten. I had thought long and hard about all those names, and was pleased to share them with my mother. Her response was a smile and question: “What if your husband has names he likes that you haven’t thought of?”
That made me stop in my tracks. Oh yes, I guess I need a husband first...
Fast forward several years. As a 17 year old, I climbed a rocky hill we call “Monument Ridge”. I buried a letter of promise* to him and to God that said I would wait for them both, to usher that season of love into my life. A small altar of stones marks the place.
Every year since then around my birthday, I’ve returned to that place to rejoice in the life God has granted me, and renew that promise. I will go up again tomorrow, but this year, it will be different.
It will be different because I will be rejoicing in the fulfillment of every hope I could have hoped, every dream I could have dreamed, and so much more. The promise and the gift have met! And my gratitude runs deeper than words... 
When I met Luke last spring, I was captivated by many things about him. But I had no idea what God had in store**. A year later, I find myself engaged to be married to one who has proven to be a man of integrity, a man of God. A man who more than fulfills my desires for a (future) husband. I am blessed, humbled, privileged. And excited!!!!
For all the prayers, for all the love you have showered upon me, for all the congratulations and encouragement, I thank you, my friends. 
For walking the road with me (through valleys and over mountains), for enriching my life every step of the way, for loving me through thick and thin, I thank you, my family.
For calling me to the High Places, for loving me with strength and tenderness, for being a diamond mine of endless treasure, for asking me to join you in the adventure of life and service together, I thank you, my Luke (and love you!!).
For gently leading and faithfully guiding, for knowing my soul in prosperity and adversity, for showing Your love in more ways than I will ever be able to fathom, I thank You, my God.
~~~~~~~~~

*Inquiring minds might wonder if that letter has been retrieved. Unfortunately, I lacked the foresight to realize I would want to unbury it someday, and failed to protect it in a plastic bag. Nature has long since claimed it.
**Visit www.lukeandchantee.com to read our story.

Comments

  1. Ahhh, I'm so happy for you, Chantée!!! ^_^ I simply loved your engagement story. Could hardly stop giggling at your surprise on the mountaintop. ;) hehehe I wish you the best in your new life together. Blessings! <3

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  2. Oh Chantee, that is wonderful!!! I am so happy for you!

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  3. Soooo Happy for you Chantee!!! Love you! :)

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  4. I definitely was one of those inquiring minds. ;) I enjoyed reading your engagement story, and was amazed at Luke's devising & efforts to completely and successfully surprise you. *Squeals with joy* I can't contain my excitement for you!! It is evident that your love was made in heaven. Love you!! :)

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  5. I cannot express my joy for you, Chantee! I absolutely love your engagement story. Love you! :)

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  6. Congratulations!!! It's so incredibly special when God brings the right man into your life. :)

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  7. I'm so excited for you guys! Congratulations! It's beautiful to see God's leading so clearly.

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  8. Congratulations! Praying for you and Luke.

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  9. That is so touching. Praising God with you for how He has brought the Promise and the Gift together. Thank you for sharing your joy <3

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