:: greatness is a life well-lived ::

You knew I had some news....

I've always loved this picture of these two trees along Sharrow Lane in Sheffield, England. To me, they symbolize the beauty of two unique things uniting as one, for the branches entwine and the trees continue to grow together, reaching heavenward.


That process has begun in my life as well, for since mid-October John and I have been entwining our lives quite intentionally. On Saturday, June 23, our roots sunk a bit deeper and branches began firming up around each other's lives, for John proposed, and invited me into a lifetime with him. And I said yes! Here's the story....

On a gorgeous summer afternoon, John and Faith took a long walk around Reeds Lake in Grand Rapids, talking and sharing and laughing as they strolled. Then John took Faith to dinner at the B.O.B. where they sat and talked on the outdoor deck restaurant. Hours passed and as the sun began to set, the two walked along the boardwalk beside the Grand River, a favorite locale of the two for walks and talks. John pulled out a paperclip that Faith had fashioned into a ring and "popped the question" with a joking laugh...Faith responded with a laugh and joking yes. John tried throwing the paperclip ring into the river but Faith objected; so he put it back into his pocket.

Standing on the boardwalk below the Amway Grand, where Faith first told John she loved him, the two ended up at last. As the sky darkened and the moon and stars grew brighter, John began to direct the conversation to more serious discussions of life and love. Since this is normal to their relationship, Faith thought nothing of it, and conversation flowed through tears and heartfelt words of love, support and commitment.

Then John's moment came, and he said, "If any of this is going to work...I need to ask you a question..." and as he went to his knee, Faith gave a little laugh and disbelievingly said, "Are you joking?" But when John held up the real ring, Faith froze in wonder, laughed, teared up and stammered out the word, "Yes!" As he slipped the ring onto her finger and the newly engaged glow spread to both faces, John took the paperclip ring and threw it into the river with Faith's hearty approval. John pulled it all off quite nicely...buying the ring secretly, talking to Faith's parents without Faith knowing, and even spreading the word to friends and family that it was going to happen that weekend and no one said a word!

We're planning a September 22 wedding, so we have less than three months to go (yay for short engagements)! It'll be a whirlwind and an adventure, but one that is more beautiful as it unfolds. I often find myself a bit overwhelmed and scared at the significance, responsibility and weight of this decision, but as we have all along, John and I are looking to Christ as the Master and Foundation of this relationship...HE is where our roots are planted...and we pray that in HIS love and faithfulness and grace, our marriage will grow strong and tall and be a glorious display of Christ and HIS Church.


Please pray for us! We definitely need it as we plan and prepare not just for a wedding, but for our life together. Thanks for all your love and support along the way!

posted by FaithChristine @ 08:37