A FAITH BASED RELATIONSHIP

In our session on "Finding A Soul Mate" I related that Sharon and I met in Sunday School. What better place for a couple to meet than in God's house.

It was at church and in our divorced singles' group (SPICE-Single Persons In Christian Service) that our relationship was nurtured and blossomed. Our second date was at a SPICE picnic. (p 106 -107)

The following morning, I drove over to Sharon's apartment.
We went to the market to pick up some picnic supplies.
We chatted almost non-stop as we prepared sandwiches for the
picnic.

How comfortable she made me feel. Her gentle laugh
and sense of humor began to shine through. Most of our singles
showed up for the picnic, but Sharon and I stayed pretty much
to ourselves as we shared glimpses of our pasts with each other.

It was refreshing to walk along the beach, chatting and laughing
together. It had been a long, long time since I had felt this
happy and free.

As Sharon and I were driving home from the picnic she sensed that my mood had changed and asked me what was wrong. I told her I could become very serious about her and was concerned about our fourteen year age difference and early deaths in my family. I did not want to hurt her.

Her mature faith response hit me right between the eyes. (P 107)

"So, what's wrong with that? It seems like I should be the
one who is worried,"

"I just wouldn't want to see you get hurt."

"Is it better to risk a few months or years of happiness or
just go through life worrying about getting hurt or dying? Don't
you believe the Lord guides us in these things?" Sharon queried.

We arrived at Sharon's door. "You're quite a lady," I responded.

"If it's all right, I'll pick you up for church tomorrow."

As I drove home I reflected on our interaction. (P 107)

What a lady, and what a mature way to look at life relationships!
We were peers in so many ways. Why let arbitrary age
differences block a few days, months, or years of sharing our
lives?

Almost from the beginning when I looked into her bluegrey
eyes, I knew this was the lady the Lord had designed specially
for me. Certainly she was a newer design than I had been
expecting! Already she was becoming my very special lady!

Of course, it was not that simple for Sharon. It took several months
for the Lord to give her peace of heart and mind about me.

Throughout our courtship our faith and church was central. We spent Sunday mornings and evenings in our worship services. Many Wednesdays we attended prayer meetings and on Tuesday evenings met with our SPICE group.

As Christians it is important that we share similar faith values. During those difficult days when everything around you seems to be crumbling being able pray, read God's Word together and share your faith becomes the sustaining force in your relationship. To thank the Lord with your spouse for your food and the many blessings He bestows makes every day special.

Over the years our faith relationship has continued and seen us through many difficult times.
As I have mentioned in earlier sessions poetry played an important role throughout our courtship and marriage. Many of them relate not only our love for each other but our Lord's special touch on our lives and relationships. I wrote the following poem when Sharon was still struggling whether or not I was the person our Lord had designed for her. (P 111)

Sharon on My Mind

How close to God I feel with you,
Refreshed garden with morning dew.
The poems you write enrich my soul,
Your gentle words make me feel whole.

I look into your eyes—blue-gray,
A special message they do say,
They speak of love, also of fear,
Rest in my arms—protected dear.

Please take your time, be very sure,
My love is kind, my motives pure.
For if we have not basic trust,
Our spring of love will dry to dust.

Lives should not be like desert dry,
But soar like eagles in the sky;
And ever grow to heights above,
Be built upon undying love.

Sharon, so gentle, sweet and kind,
You are always on my mind.
My every thought of you is blessed,
And in each one is peaceful rest.

Thoughts of love,

Don

I hope, that as you contemplate remarriage, you spend a great deal of time sharing your faith with each other. Hopefully, both of you share a daily refreshing walk with your Lord as you journey toward a blessed life together.

Next week join me when I will be presenting Fruition. Giving time for a relationship to mature.

HUGS, IN CHRIST'S AND MY LOVE,

Don E. Cunningham, Author © June 12, 2005 816