The Mysterious Adventure...

I was still playing with Barbies when I realized that the 'dating game' wasn't something I was interested in. I remember a conversation with one of my friends, discussing whether or not Barbie & Ken should go on a date, and if there were any other options for finding a husband. When I was 14, a friend introduced me to the concept of courtship, a principle further enforced into my mindset through one of my favorite book series as a young teen (The Journals of Corrie Bell Hollister), through various Focus on the Family episodes, the book I Kissed Dating Goodbye, and many other places and means throughout the years. I was firmly convinced that, in God's timing, my husband would arrive in my life, and we would establish a strong freindship before proceeding through the next phase of our relationship surrounded by family and friends providing accountability and advice. My hope was never to even enter into a relationship until I was confident that the man in question was, if not definitely the guy I would marry, at least a very good possibility.

Now, at 27, I still cling to what my heart desired as a young girl.

There is a question developing. My family & friends are increasingly interested in me finding someone to share my life with. My roommates tease me, my pastor gently tries to nudge me along. What is the right answer? Is it time to take proactive steps in this journey, or is God still calling me to wait and be patient? Options are available; EHarmony and other online matchmaking sights abound, there are eligible young men in churches in our network. I really do believe that God is writing my love story (as yet another book ["When God Writes Your Love Story" by Eric & Leslie Ludy] explains!) But how is He writing it? What chapter am I on? What will this plot look like as it develops?

I don't know the answers to these questions. I desire to follow His leading, regardless of what that might be. At the same time, however, my heart yearns for a man to step forward, identify me as someone of value, and choose to pursue me, with no prior action required on my part. I want to be sought after - not having to search. I want to be discovered, not thrown in someone's path. The people around me are telling me that's not realistic, that it was ok to hope for that in my teens & early 20's, but it's time to grow up and face reality. What is God saying? I really don't know yet.