Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Confession 222: A Love Story




I was drawn to my husband the first time I saw him.  Really, it's the truth.  I don't know what it was, but I remember meeting him my first few days at seminary and thinking, "There's a guy I want to get to know better."  I was 26 years old when I met Chris and had never had a real "boyfriend".  Trust me, it wasn't for lack of trying!!  But I had finally come to the conclusion that God was protecting my heart for someone special and when I first saw Chris my heart was drawn his way.

Of course, he had no clue.  I suppose a "normal" girl would have actually talked to him and initiated some sort of friendly relationship.  I, being a big chicken, chose the more subtle approach of "friendly stalking."  Our apartment complex was in the shape of a horseshoe, with Chris' apartment directly across the lawn from mine.  He always had his shades open, so I used my powers of observation and quickly learned his schedule.  I enlisted the help of friends who had classes with him to strike up conversations and get to know him better on my behalf.  I would walk those friends to and from classes to "bump into him".  I threw parties and invited him over but could never work up the nerve to actually talk to him.  This went on for several months.  Finally, somehow, we started talking.  A week before Valentine's Day we decided to go see a movie together.  We followed the movie with some drinks and he walked me back to the entrance of my building before sprinting off to the warmth of his own apartment.  The next week, Valentine's Day, we made plans to go to an old movie theater in Wrigleyville to watch Casablanca with another couple.  A double-date.  Except, only 1/2 of the other couple made it to the show.  Our double date had turned into a girls night out.  And thus began the three month long saga of "Are we actually dating, or are we just friends?"

Finally, in May, after three months of hanging out and being good buds, Chris took the initiative and threw his arm around me during a movie.  From that moment on, we were a couple.  Seven months later, on Christmas Eve, Chris proposed.  Eight months after that we were married.  It's been seven years since we said "I do".  We have moved three times and brought two rowdy boys into this world.  Our marriage, as any other, has had its share of ups and downs.  But even in the down moments, I think about the way my heart was drawn to Chris that day nine years ago and I know that God was saving my heart for him.  And I thank God for that gift every day.

Blessings and Peace,
Sara

4 comments:

  1. Oh, I so enjoy reading other people's love stories! How fun that you were both drawn to each other, but were able to be friends first -which I'm sure helped you starting your marriage on firm ground!

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  2. Sara, thanks for sharing your story.It helps me know you and Chris a little better now.You are never to be underestimated, Sara. You are very subtle. Ha Your marriage is built on a strong foundation and will only grow deeper as the years go by.

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  3. Oh, this is great! You have a wonderful love story. I think one of the best things I've done is to sit down and write our my own love story. I did it in single posts just like this and then put it together on one page of my blog. This will be something for your children to have one day...so cool. Love your wedding picture too...gorgeous! You've got a perfect hourglass figure. ;-)
    ~FringeGirl

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  4. How sweet. It's fun to hear how couples met. So glad God brought someone special into your life.

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