Valentine's Day

A few years ago, I posted on the newest, most current blogging venue available (my Facebook notes) to write about Valentine's day. How we needed to appreciate our Skeeter Valentine's (Doug reference, anyone? "Honk Honk") and not just our romantic ones. That lesson still rings true. However, I'm here today to write about something a little different.

I came into this blog I don't use often to tell you this story because I feel like it needs to be shared. As many friends that I have that are part of a couple, I have tons who are single and especially embittered by this greeting card company mega-money maker known as "Valentine's Day" or "Singles Awareness Day".

I'm hoping you will take this story not as "rubbing it in" but rather as an encouragement, because I was once upon a time having consistent bitter Valentine's day pity parties.

Anyway, the story I came to tell:

This Valentine's Day marks my second (and year and a half "anniversary") with the love of my life, Kaylin Klein. We met as dance partners in the Mill Race Players "Cinderella" in the Summer of 2011. I was about to begin my final semester of college, Kaylin, her sophomore year. I was charmingly bad at dancing, she insists she's "had worse" dance partners.

I knew the first moment I met Kaylin that I was attracted to her. She carried herself differently from other women and I was attracted to that. So I Facebook stalked her (found out her name via the "Cinderella" cast list, actually), added her, and slowly started working my way in there. She was genuine, kind-hearted, sweet, and Christian. It's all I ever wanted in a partner, but nothing I felt like I deserved. I had made a lot (no seriously, A LOT) of mistakes in my previous dating endeavors, and I didn't feel fit to date someone from such a different dating background. But God worked on me. He showed me examples of others of my friends who had turned their love lives around. I stayed in prayer and I wanted nothing more than to be a part of this girl's life.

I wasn't used to getting what I wanted, as it was often not what God wanted. This time proved different, however. I got exactly what I wanted. I "successfully wooed" Kaylin, and we ended up committing to each other just before I left for my final semester. I was ecstatic.

I have lots of cutesy little relationship beginning stories, but I'll spare you those on this occasion. Jump ahead.

Only a few months later, we would both be home in October and I would tell her (for the first time) that I loved her. She returned my sentiment, and from that point on I was sure that God had put her in my life permanently. I was sure after only a few months that she was the one. She may not have been sure so certainly, but right around a year after the initial exchange of "I love you"s, I got down on one knee and asked Kaylin to be my wife, and she accepted.

*pause for cheers and tears*

I didn't write this to tell you how great things in my relationship are. I mean, they are great but it's no walk in the park. It's work, especially when she's in Muncie without a vehicle, and I'm at home working so we can have money to get married. Gas prices alone would cause some people to fall apart in that scenario. No, I wrote this to my single friends mostly, so that you don't lose heart. I had lost heart. I had given up on ever finding the right person, just before I found the right person. Be faithful. She/He's out there, and no matter how many decisions you've made that you'll regret, God is looking out for you. Just be mindful that it isn't over yet. If there's someone out there for ME, there's DEFINITELY someone out there for you.

Be mindful and prayerful in your relationships. God will help you find them (or them find you) AND He'll help you keep them. Don't be too picky (don't get me wrong here, be picky, just not TOO picky), always keep your eyes peeled, and again, BE FAITHFUL. God has not forgotten about you, and He has the perfect path laid out for you. Just be prayerful and find it.

I'm not pretending to have all the answers, but I'm thrilled with the partner God has found me. I'm thrilled that she loves me so much, that she loves Jesus, that my youngest brother-in-law will turn 4 years old on our wedding day. I'm thrilled with my eventual in-law family and that my family is thrilled with my choice. Sharing my life (even the little things) seems so exciting to me, and I can't wait to get there.

"When you figure out you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start right away"- When Harry Met Sally

I hope you all found this helpful! Happy Valentine's Day!! God Bless!!!

NAH