An ordinary life's extraordinary moment

Once upon a time I dreamed of meeting someone, falling in love, and getting married. I looked forward to the day when I could drink coffee, discuss the deeper questions of life, travel, and walk hand in hand with some wonderful man. I had hopes of what this person would be like, notions of how it would all go, and ideas of how my life would go in general. Never would I have known just how unimaginative my dreams were. Until I met Daniel.

Our love story did not begin with fireworks; it began in the library. Well not exactly, it began in chapel, when our seats were positioned near each other. I was in my first year of college and anyone and everyone was a new face to me. I was overwhelmed by the newness of everything and I failed to notice the handsome guy positioned just a few seats over from mine... until he was on the stage playing his cello. Yes, it turns out this guy who sat near me was in fact a talented cellist. But I wasn't swooning yet, in fact I was intimidated. Sure I knew how to read music (slowly but surely) but I was no where near a professional musician. It was not long after that that we met each other, formally yet awkwardly, of course, and from then on we developed a friendship of sorts. We would see each other around, make small talk, and then go on. Did I mention that he was a senior? And I was a freshman. So of course it would never work out. Of course he wasn't interested in me, I was a young naïve freshman. But obviously I was wrong.

Fast forward through numerous more encounters and we've reached our first official coffee date - although I was determined that it was not a date; I even tried to pay for my coffee.... but of course I couldn't even do that because I didn't have enough money. It was during this time that I began to learn about his family, which meant trying to decipher which sister or brother was which. (Did I also mention he has ten siblings?) I was interested, but distant, after all who was this person and why was he interested in me? He seemed like he actually wanted to be my friend. Yes indeed, I was becoming more interested with each passing interaction.

Of course there are many more details to this story, but I will spare you the time. What followed the next four months was a relationship that blossomed, whether in the library, on evening walks or while drinking tea in Starbucks. I discovered that this guy was in fact the most interesting, complex, and kind man that I had ever met. My suspicions about him (there in order to protect myself) were gradually torn down as God lowered the blinders on my eyes and allowed me to see the amazing person that He created. I was hooked. No, rather it was more human-like than that; I discovered that he was a friend that I could not give up, and that I would be a fool to do so. After meeting his family and sharing moments of comfortable silence, I realized that I could see myself with this man. In fact, I could see him as someone I could marry.

And indeed, almost two years later, my best friend and wonderful boyfriend, Daniel, became my fiancé on top of a ruined abbey in the south of France. That unforgettable moment arrived as the man I love asked me to marry him. I could not imagine a more wonderful moment.

It is through this relationship that I have known greater depths of human love; it is through this relationship that I have come to know and love God in a way that I could have never before. It is through this relationship that I am changing, that I am being molded, for a purpose greater than my own. But ultimately, this relationship is not about me.

Its about God, and ever and only about him. He brought us together, he grew our love for one another, he is the one who has brought us through various trials. If we have ever blessed another because of our relationship, to God be the glory. All of what exists today happens because of His grace and His love. Without him, we are nothing, and our relationship is nothing more than a septic pool of selfishness.

So for those who surround us and who love us, hold us to that. May what has become beautiful only become more magnificent. May we not willingly succumb to the diseases that destroy us. May we know the blessings of life's most important human relationship.

Although this moment occurs amidst the most ordinary of lives, it is indeed one of the most extraordinary that is ever experienced.

(photos from the weekend of our engagement)

 The location

The moment just before he got down on one knee.

In Cassis. First full day as an engaged couple. 

Photo cred: Daniel 

Seriously, how was I so blessed? 

Together and in love.