Love Was in the Air
Some of you may be thinking, "Marriage is not what I thought it would be." What about my dreams and my needs? And, why doesn't this man I pledged my life to "get" me?"
In this month of Valentines and roses, I want to share excepts from Why Can't He Be More Like Me (9 Secrets to Understanding Your Husband).
Don't give up yet!
He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6
From Chapter One: This Isn't What I ExpectedWow! Who is that? Eyeballs bulging, I stared at the stranger striding down the aisle of my small, predominantly British church in Nairobi, Kenya. Well over six feet, tanned, and dressed in a light khaki tropical suit, the man’s physical appeal oozed out of him. He sat down, pulled out a small Bible from his pocket, and joined in the singing. I had to meet him.At twenty-years old, I had lived and worked in Nairobi for three years. My parents returned to England two years earlier, when my father’s stint with the Royal Air Force in Kenya finished.My job as secretary to a high-ranking Kenyan in the University of Nairobi kept me busy. I enjoyed friendships with people of various nationalities. And, as a newly converted, somewhat unconventional young woman, I felt embraced by a loving group of older Christians. But, on the rebound from a going-nowhere relationship and with no family to lean on, loneliness consumed me. I longed for someone to belong to. Watching the good-looking stranger, my mind whirled with excitement: Who is this man? What is he doing in Nairobi? Has he moved here or is he just passing through? Is he single? How can I get introduced to him? If he is unattached, how can I invite him to our single’s Bible study without looking like I’m interested? Perhaps he is God’s answer to my fervent prayer. Maybe he’s the one God intends for me.So much for worshipping the Almighty! Hymns, prayers, and preaching swirled around me. I was far away on a cloud of dreams and fantasies. I couldn’t wait for the service to end.We did meet that morning and after a few months, Jim started attending the singles group when he was in town. Shy and reserved around me, I wondered for a year if anything would happen.Finally, on a day vividly imprinted in my memory, we ran into each other at a local grocery store. Smiling down at me, Jim said, “I’ve wanted to ask you out. Are you free this Saturday night?”Bells rang, heaven sang, and the angels celebrated. Right? Well, perhaps, but not for the same reasons I rejoiced. My dreams were coming true. But unknown to me, God had far more significant plans in mind. He intended to use my relationship with Jim to radically transform me into a very different person. Q: What was it like when you first saw the man you would eventually marry? I'd enjoy reading your stories - please leave them here in the comments.Blessings,
Poppy SmithInternational speaker, multi-published author, Bible teacher, and spiritual coachInspiring Women to Thrive! Permission to use this article is granted provided the following credit is fully included.Poppy Smith is funny, warm, and passionate about helping women grow spiritually and personally so they experience the love and power of Christ in life’s ups and downs. A former teaching leader with Bible Study Fellowship, Poppy has a Masters in Spiritual Formation and ministers extensively as a retreat and conference speaker both in the US and around the world. For more information about Poppy’s heart, her books and ministry, please visit her website at www.poppysmith.com.
