Isn’t it funny all of the crazy things we do when the “love bug” strikes us? Sometimes it’s even before the “love bug!” It might just be the “like bug!” We find ourselves wearing a certain color — because they like it. Buying a certain fragrance — looking for just the right card. . . All to communicate a “hidden” message that we hope won’t remain hidden forever.

Maybe you’ve heard the story about the young man at college with a stuttering problem. As I recall, he really liked a young lady on the campus whose name was Mary. Finally he got up enough nerve to ask her out for a date. The conversation went something like this, “Mmmaaarrryy, wwiiilll yyyoouuu gggooo ouououttt wwiiith mmmmeee?” To which she kindly but firmly declined.

However, this young man really did like Mary. So, he decided to do a little bit of work on it. He went back to his room, and for several weeks he practiced asking this question until he could voice it without stuttering. Once again he approached Mary. (I have to wonder — did she dread him coming?) This time, he said something like this, “Mary, will you go out with me?” She was astonished! “Did you practice that just for me?” She asked. His answer? “Yyyyeeeesssss!” As the story was told to me, she did go out with him, and ended up marrying him.

When my parents were attending college, Dad began to see things he really liked in my mom. As they were getting to know one another, talking to each other was very important. In fact, it was so important that one night after work he decided to talk to her through her dorm window. (Remember — cell phones and computers were non existent so texting or e-mail were out of the question.) As they were conversing out the window, Mom heard a horrifying sound — the clickety clack of the shoes belonging to the dean of women coming down the hall. She quickly closed the window — and dad, with no delay, jumped in his car and put it in reverse — in his haste not seeing the tree right behind him! Oh yes, building relationships will always cost you something! But . . . It was worth it. Dad married Mom and they shared a wonderful marriage — and were best friends for over fifty-two years.

Loving God most, and placing Him first is the very best way to begin the “relationship” search. When our relationships are built on Him and His Word, we find the only sure path to adventure into new, uncharted territory. Finding a companion for is a life altering decision. Following His guidelines and listening to His voice is the way to find the one He has for you.

God’s principle of love is always give not take. Giving and receiving are the way His circle works — not “take what you can get and run.” Give Him your life, your all, and let Him do the choosing. He knows best!

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Deuteronomy 6:5