A Season of Waiting

My heart raced as my car inched closer to his driveway. What if there’s no chemistry? What if we have nothing to talk about? Have I set myself up to be let down again? These questions of doubt were fumbling around in my mind as I prepared to meet my blind date on a scorching June day in 2015.

What I didn’t know was this date would turn out to be the best one I’d ever had. Hours seemed like minutes as we talked about life, children and goals for the future. When the hot summer sun gave way to the light of the moon, hinting it was time to say good-bye, I knew I had found someone special.

For several years prior, I cried out to God more times than I can count. An old broken down, wooden bench sitting in my yard was a visual, a constant reminder of my brokenness, and my deepest desire for a companion. One date after another fell through, and I asked myself, “What am I doing wrong?” I was always wondering, “Am I to remain single for the rest of my life?” There were times when I felt God ignored me, and other times when He spoke so loudly it was as if He were standing right next to me. Throughout all the highs and lows of those years, there was one thing I had no choice but to do; the one thing the Lord continually spoke to my spirit, “Abide in Me and wait.”

Those who know me can testify I’m not the most patient person around. I vividly remember getting off the bus the first week of kindergarten and crying to my mom because I had to stand in line for lunch. I didn’t like to wait then and it hasn’t gotten much better since. Of course, my Creator knows this about me too, and, on many occasions, has reminded me He is just helping me practice what I’ve prayed for — patience.

The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
– Lamentations 3:25 ESV

Had I not gone through a season of learning how to trust and depend on the Lord, I wouldn’t be the ‘someone’ anyone was looking for, and I certainly wouldn’t have been the wife I thought I was ready to be.

Many women have inside her that little girl who still believes in the fairy tale. You know. The one who longs to meet her prince and live happily ever after? This past year has been such a seemingly magical, love story. Our blind date turned into a budding romance. Our relationship naturally progressed from courtship to becoming exclusive, and on to meeting each other’s children. Then, on Easter Sunday of 2016, that deeply rooted dream became a reality when my “prince” asked me to be his wife. Words cannot express the joy in knowing I would spend the rest of my days with the love of my life.

All of this has transpired under the guidance and grace of Jesus Christ. His hand has been at work the entire time, and I continue to be grateful for this answered prayer in giving me the desire of my heart.

Have you been, or are you now, in a season of waiting?

Does this mean our relationship is without a few bumps? Of course not. We have faced opposition and will continue to so, I suspect. It also doesn’t mean our marriage will be problem free. In fact, the blending of two families can be quite challenging. However, our union is one of strength and endurance because Jesus Christ, who is credited with our meeting, is our solid foundation.

In 2015, I wrote an article, The Old Wooden Bench, during my season of waiting. As a single mom with two children, I discussed some of the hardships of being a single woman with a deep desire to be married. That old wooden bench, my visual reminder of my brokenness, has since been restored. It will always be a reminder of what Jesus has done in my life.

As of August 6, 2016, we began our “happily ever after.” Instead of looking at an empty old bench, I now spend my time sitting with the one I waited for on his ‘comfy’ brown couch.

We won’t always get what we want, when we want it, but God knows best what we need and rewards those who are faithful. His good and perfect gifts will always be better than anything we could ask for or imagine.

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Dianna Buchwalter is a new wife, and full-time mom to a 10 year old son and 5 year old daughter. She is part of the Ignite2Ignite women’s ministry. Blog: diannaowens.com

To read Dianna’s previous article, The Old Wooden Bench, click here.