We often joke about how long we’ve waited until we were ready for a relationship and how long we’ve waited for one another. But it’s really more than just a joke, it’s a waiting season etched deep in our hearts with lessons to share and a hefty price to pay. Let’s backtrack and see what really took place…
Not so many years ago…
Friends who have known us for years knew that I did have some liking for Deb, but honestly I saw her as my good friend rather than someone I’d get into a relationship with (at that time at least). I had fun knowing her albeit our early years of teasing, small fights and so on.
As a guy, I decided to wait. I’ve seen friends venturing into relationships that don’t last despite them terming those relationships as “fun” and “experiential”. I have always believed that experiences like that are sometimes unnecessary. I always envisioned having one and only one person prepared for me. And yes! Dreams do come true.
We did not instantly hit it off (like some would say – love at first sight). Our relationship developed slowly and strangely. We loved teasing one another, calling each other names and even picking ‘fights’ and ‘arguments’! The thought of a relationship then was simply disastrous!
Like many girls, “puppy love” started kicking in at the age of 15. I was attracted to guys and guys to me. But since I was quiet in nature, I didn't tell anyone about my crushes. Terence was not one of them unfortunately since I was just getting to know him then.
What?!!!
Haha. Let me continue… With my list of criteria and I told myself I would not get into a relationship until “Mr. Right” came along. I also had other reasons why I chose to wait. I took this time to discover who I was in Christ. Since singlehood is a priceless gift, why not live it to the fullest and not regret it. Ultimately I wanted to hear from God. So thus began my wait.
Soon after the 1st year of waiting, the subsequent years flew by, but not without moments of truth. There were times I longed for someone to lean on, someone to love and be loved, someone to share my life with. Reality was knocking on my door, yet the waiting was not over. . .
The price to pay
Waiting produces patience
Waiting develops character
Waiting shows integrity
Waiting allows renewal
Waiting does give more liberty
Waiting provides a greater experience
Waiting increases the fear of the Lord
Waiting gives God more time to show Himself real
Waiting is tough. There are times when you feel like giving up. There were times when I just wanted to throw in the towel and tell her all my feelings.
(taken from an excerpt of my journal dated Jan 2005)
I bought a priceless gift with a price tag called “waiting”, and this was what I paid:
Waiting produced patience, perseverance and endurance,
Waiting grounded my knowledge of me in Him,
Waiting gave me time to think and pray through what I desired in my future life partner,
Waiting allowed me to live my singlehood to its fullest,
Waiting tested my obedience toward God and those I’m submitted to,
Waiting proved who I was leaning on and dependant upon,
Waiting made me think instead of going head on emotionally,
Waiting produced character in me,
Waiting taught me self control,
Waiting made it all worthwhile when the time for love finally came.
The waiting brought new meaning to love
Ahh, that day finally came. Patience had a new meaning. Waiting had a different perspective. Love was finally revealed. The beauty of it, I’ll never forget.
I’d not forget the first time we held hands. The first time we exchanged “I love you” and the first time our eyes locked in for a long gaze. I knew he was worth every wait because I had guarded my heart for the one God had set apart for me.
