I walked into the upper section of Common Grounds café ready to lounge on my day off and eat some western food I had been craving. All I really wanted was some french toast, eggs, and fruit. Why has that been so hard to come by the past few months, I thought to myself.
I walked in, looked over to the table on my left and there he was. He had on the most basic black shirt and jeans. I was so focused on him that I almost didn’t notice his friend’s hello. The only seating option I had was facing his direction. Dang it, now I can’t look away. I took out my laptop with intentions of writing a blog. Ten minutes later I found myself staring at a blank Word document. I stole a stare analyzing his facial features. Smooth brown complexion, beautiful hazel eyes, masculine jaw, ripped body, and a set of white teeth reminiscent of a Colgate commercial. He was beautiful. I was in a daze.
Then I heard him speak. Pause. Homeboy is good-looking and has an accent! Not just any accent, an Australian accent!! AND he’s at Common Grounds, he must be a Christian, not just a Christian, a missionary. Omgee he loves Jesus too! All these thoughts ran through my head like a freight train.
I looked up again and we locked eyes. He smiled. I looked away. Drink your latte and write your blog, I thought. I couldn’t focus. Why is he staring at me? Distracted, I texted my teammate Amie what was going on and told her I was leaving for a walk. Minutes later I returned and he was heading out the café. He stopped at the door, turned around, looked at me, . All I could do was grin and look away, because I knew two years ago, this situation would have been completely different.
I found myself thinking about this encounter for a huge part of the day. It consumed my thoughts. During my devotion the following morning, I felt the Lord tugging at my heart, asking me where I stand. For the past few months it’s been very easy to not be distracted. The matter of fact is when I return back to the states and I am faced with temptation everywhere, where will my focus lie? Will I choose Christ or will I choose my flesh. I want my gaze to be so fixed on God that nothing distracts me. Keeping Christ first in my life can be very difficult when there are so many distractions threatening to sidetrack my faith. I pose this question to you: Is there anything that weakens your commitment to keep Christ first? I encourage you to remain devoted.
Even halfway around the world, I am reminded that Valentine’s Day is approaching (thanks for the reminder Hannah). I want to encourage all the single women that God has a love story just for you. It might not be like Cinderella or Allie from the Notebook. But it will be awesome, fit for His beautiful princess. Trust Him enough to give him the pen. Don’t try to manipulate situations to fit your need. Don’t go around chasing men or wishing that attractive Australian man at the coffee shop will come say hello (haha). If he’s the one for you, God will orchestrate it. Let HIM write your love story.
Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, not to awaken love until the time is right. (Songs of Songs 8:4)
P.S. I did end up seeing my mystery man again and let’s just say “charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting." (Proverbs 31:30) Still patiently waiting for the man God has for me.
Few Announcements
- Get involved – I’m inviting you to be a part of one of my next blogs. I want to answer any questions you may have about me, my journey through the race, what type of food I’m eating…anything. Send me your questions by posting it below in the comment section or click contact me on the left tab and send me your questions there. Looking forward to some interesting inquiries 🙂
- Route changes – My squad will NOT be traveling to Mozambique. Instead we will be going to Botswana! Yay! I know nothing about Botswana but I will before we get there in June 🙂
- Financial Deadlines – Thank you very supporting me financially through my journey! I am so appreciative of your support and in awe of what I’m getting to do and the people I’ve had the opportunity to impact all because you believed in me. With that said there’s a HUGE financial deadline approaching – March 1st. Everyone on my squad needs to be fully funded by then. I am asking that you prayerfully consider donating to one or more of my teammates who have yet to meet their deadline. Check out their blogs below.
- Videos – yea I’ve been slacking. Expect a Life in Thailand (2 months later lol) and a Life in Cambodia video very soon.
With Love,
