It happened nothing like I pictured, with red-sprayed hair dressed as Ariel dating Prince Eric for the night. On Halloween this year, Jordan and I dressed in costume and made our way to our neighborhood group gathering, where we replaced our normal Monday night schedule with holiday festivities instead. That wasn't all, I just wasn't privy to the rest yet. In order to tell this story properly, it requires backing up a couple of days.
To say this season of life is demanding just hits the tip of the iceberg. Thankfully, we serve a Lord who orchestrates all the workings of this world, including our souls. He inserts cravings within us to rest in Him. This call to rest vies for our attention and should be adhered to, for without it, we are unbalanced.
For example, on October 27, midway through the week, my boyfriend and I met with our pastor and his wife, also my mentor. The four of us spoke about an anticipated season of engagement, and what it looks like to each guard our hearts knowing the Lord had provided us dating up to that point. Frustrations were running high on both ends, but neither one of us knew how to express them. The conversation we had that morning helped call our attention back to God and redirected our focus.
The next four days, I took my time in intentional prayer not mentioning a season of engagement or marriage at all to Jordan. He did the same, taking his personal challenge to heart and not bringing up either season of life to me. We conversed on topics we wouldn't have otherwise hit. God provided insight into this area of our life and prevailed in its entirety.
Day four, on Halloween, Jordan drove us to Flagstaff for the day. One of my favorite things to do is day-date him. I could still feel God moving intentionally in my heart and working us away from conversations of engagement and the like. Our time together was effortless. I cherished our morning hike and breakfast, town square tour and even lunch before driving back into town.
Upon arrival to the Leonhardt's home, Jordan had previously set it up with the homeowners to announce a scavenger hunt for our friends who bring their 3-year-old daughter. With her there, and the key players in place, the plan was started. Cece hunted pumpkins and inside each one held a puzzle piece. Clue cards instructed each part of the scavenger hunt, then instructing her to build the puzzle. The last clue card instructed an adult to flip off the lights as the puzzle revealed a message on the back in glow-in-the-dark lettering.
I was called to the counter at that time for my time to participate. I will never forget looking down to read, "Alex, will you marry me?" on the back of this puzzle. Actually, I was shocked because the first word out of my mouth was, "What?!". By the time I turned back round, Jordan was behind me on one knee. He asked me again in person and OF COURSE I said yes.
The time and thought Jordan pours into our relationships is a definite reflection of the Lord's design for marriage. I am so beyond thrilled to share this season of engagement with this man who honors me as his fiance, and who I hope to one day honor in the same way as my husband.
