Courtship is a new process to us.

Of course, Paul and I have discussed this subject through the years. I guess in December, I really began to hear the Lord whispering to my heart to begin to prepare.

I remember having a conversation with my mama in early January that I thought things were changing in our home. I guess I never dreamed just how quickly.

Barbara, a blog reader here, wrote to me early this year. After several years, she is someone I’ve come to see as a dear friend. (Somehow, we have lots of mutual friends, but have never met in person….one day! I’m determined, one day!!)

She wrote and asked if we might consider a courtship between Courtney, and a young man who is a close friend to her family.

If I tell the truth, my first reaction was “no way!”. She lives in Michigan, and it just seemed too far, and with too many unknowns to proceed.

I prayed over her letter and then decided to take it to Paul. I was shocked to hear him answer, “well, I’m willing to pray over and consider the possibilities”.

In the days and weeks that followed, there were lots of letters, lots of phone calls, and a couple of video chats.

Paul arranged to meet this young man, Daniel, in Ohio, a couple of times.

He asked lots and lots of questions. Daniel would write back with his answers and sometimes, questions of his own.

Paul and I both have spent time in continual prayer…especially the evening when we asked Courtney if she might want to get to know this young man.

At the time of this writing, Daniel has come to spend nearly a week at our home and Courtney and Josh just arrived back from almost a week with them in Michigan.

This, being our first experience with this process, don’t really have any predetermined idea of how this should progress. We are just praying and trusting the Lord to lead.

I think Courtney and Daniel are developing a close friendship.  ….I hope she won’t mind me sharing, but it’s hard not to notice her bright smile at the mention of his name. (I know “ahhhhh……“  )

Regardless of what you know, or think of the courtship process, here is what I have/am learning (thoughts from this mama’s heart)….

-What an incredible experience to hear two young people asking serious, important questions about their thoughts on all sorts of things related to marriage, family, faith and the future.

-It thrills my heart to see them interacting in a way that is glorifying to the Lord….getting to know each other without all of the emotional stuff that can come and go, even in the longest lasting marriages…they are first learning if they are compatible at all.

-What a pleasure to see my husband developing a friendship with this young man…imagine if every man took the time to really be-friend his daughter’s young suitor. I think more often, daughters (and sons!) bring home someone and announce their intentions. There is no respect for the parents and very little of anything but emotion leading the relationship.  We’re striving for a strong foundation.

-It’s an immeasurable blessing for my daughter to be developing a relationship with a young man I could so very easily consider a son (regardless of how this turns out for them together).

-It’s a magnificent thing to have the opportunity to mentor and pray for both of them and the person they will be with (even if it is someone else) through life.

-They are setting a splendid example for all of their younger siblings– (17 to be exact!)– in their pursuit of their own spouse, partner, and best friend.

-I’m blessed to see the unusual chance to watch a relationship, so pure, progressing in a sweet way.

-It’s pleasing to watch a relationship between two people grow without all the things this world has added to relationships…they will have no regrets, no past and failed relationships, no baggage.

I’ve spent my entire adult life watching this young woman grow. I’ve spent quiet hours of my nights and my days praying for her and the young man who will one day join her to begin a family of their own.

So, here we are…. in the blink of an eye.

I can’t explain the feeling to stand in a room with them both. Our families, thrilled with the anticipation of watching the Lord work in the coming months, are praying for them both.

These are pictures, shared with me by Joshua, of their recent trip to Michigan.

Because I wasn’t there, it’s hard to give a description, so I’m tagging Courtney first, and then each picture with a letter. You’ll have to visit her blog to read her notes on each photo, and I’m sure she’s going to post photos of her own.

A.

B.

C.

D.

E.

F.

G.

H.

I.

J.

K.

L.

M.

N.

O.

P.

Q.

I guess my one lingering question is how Joshua came back from Michigan a bow tie wearer. *smile*

Paul and I, have enjoyed lunch with Daniel’s parents and two of his sisters. They are absolutely delightful!

There is excitement in the air…..

Please join our families in praying for both young people.

There are so many things happening in our home…joy in the midst of hardship and sorrow.

 

Praise be to God!