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It was just like the previous Mondays several weeks into my senior year at a Bible school in Chicago. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary as I attended morning and afternoon classes. Most days I went to work right after my last class and worked till dinner, but this day I had some time just before dinner to study in the Student Union which was always quiet at that time of day. I was carrying a double major, working 20 hours a week, and had three weekly service projects. While concentrating on an assignment I felt someone approach. I looked up. I really didn’t have time for chit chat, but the young man standing in front of me seemed intent on talking so I was polite. I felt his slight awkwardness as he opened the conversation with me, a complete stranger. I noticed he was trying to read my name and major on my class schedule that lay on top of my books. But my schedule was upside down to him. Having a rather long and unusual name, I was amused at his struggle. I figured he would only be able to talk for a short time because I realized he was an underclassman and they had an earlier dinner schedule at the school cafeteria than seniors. But he kept the conversation going right through his dinner time. I was getting uneasy that he would therefore accompany me to my dinner time. I really wasn’t keen on having him tag along. I was quite content in my unattached state and besides, I had very big plans for the year after graduation. My selfish pride and fierce independence were speaking loudly. They were telling me that I just didn’t have time for a relationship. Little did I know that this ‘chance’ meeting would change my life forever. The Lord had orchestrated it all. And he would use it to remake me.
“This is, “not so dear husband” writing about our meeting from my perspective. I had noticed her on two preceding occasions on campus, but not having an opportunity to approach, I was biding my time. Then one afternoon, on the 27th of September, I was taking a very common trip to the Student Union to secure an ice cream bar from a vending machine in a room located in the back of the facility. THERE SHE WAS, ALL ALONE! I walked by her unnoticed into the adjoining room, with mind racing and heart pounding. I now had to make a plan and pounce. I still ate my ice cream, (some things have to go on), while wondering if I was really brave enough to take the plunge and approach her. I walked out of the back room and very shakily began the conversation that would indeed change the rest of my life. I realized later that I wasn’t as coy nor non-transparent as I hoped I was. She let me struggle trying to read her long and weird name, as it was upside down from my perspective. But, I was able to ascertain her dorm room number (therefore her phone number) and her major. I had determined not to date anyone who was not planning to someday go to the foreign mission field, therefore her major was very important, actually a deal breaker. Yes, she was a missions major!! I did hang around until her meal time, not wanting to waste this precious opportunity. I guess it’s like they say, the rest is history.”
Fast forward fifty years. Yes, fifty years. Recently, dear Husband and I celebrated the anniversary of the day that we met fifty years ago. There have been a lot of bumps in our long road most of which were caused by our own selfishness. But we have been steadily changed as we chose to be obedient to God one tiny step at a time as he used his Word, his Spirit, and his Church to remake us into loving spouses. We’ve raised six children, and are doing our best to be grandparents to fifteen. We’ve moved nearly 30 times, lived in several states and spent a decade in Asia. Husband has had five different types of jobs, and I’ve enjoyed a number of wonderful occupations as well. We have dear friends in many places. We have (almost) always had a church to nourish us. (The five years in a remote jungle church were hard spiritually because my language skills were limited.)
Through it all the Lord has guided us. He has protected us in huge cities and remote jungles. He has provided for us in abundance and in want. We’ve had tables loaded with a variety of food and tables with only ferns and rice. We’ve even had the luxury of hot showers except for five years with cold water or a muddy river. We’ve lived in a house on stilts beside a jungle river nearly the size of the Amazon and in a house in a teeming Asian city of millions. We’ve lived in small urban apartments and our own houses on acreages. God brought us through near fatal diseases, injuries, and limitations. He sustained us through heartache. Wherever we were, the Lord was with us. Wherever we were, he gave us friends that had like faith.
So why did the God of the universe bother to make the path of one young man intersect the path of one young woman on the 27th day of September, 1971 in Chicago? Why would he care about us out of the millions of souls on earth that day? It’s always a mystery that the high and lofty One stoops to care for his creatures. But he delights in doing so. It’s his nature to love, to be tender, to be involved. It’s who he is. I know each of my readers has a lifetime of stories of God’s kindness and faithfulness. You know from experience that:
Why not take time this week to remember some of the innumerable ways God has guided, protected, changed, and blessed you? Then share some of your story with someone who needs to hear a God story. It’ll make both of you happy!
It’s been an honor to have been a part of your mosaic/adventure through the years. We continue to appreciate you both and cherish your friendship as we press on towards the goal of our ultimaTe rendezvous with our Lord and Savior. In His love…
Oh, the honor is ours to be part of your lives of service! Your friendship has carried us through hard times, and your example of commitment and service has shone a light on our path. So grateful for you both.
Thank you so much for sharing your chance meeting and wonderful experiences. Your writings always inspire me. I amso blessed to have known you in our younger years. Congratulations to you and your husband. Actually my oldest sons birthday is September 27. Great day. Continue to keep in touch. LOVE LOVE your writings. Brenda
Belated happy birthday to your son! Yes, a great day of God’s blessings. Thanks so much for your kind words. Isn’t it wonderful that we get to connect now after all these years?! God is good. Hugs, L
I look at the young, fresh faces in this photo, and marvel at the goodness of God in prompting this young man to approach you, then to intersect your lives, building a story of faith for the generations following after you and intertwining your lives with all of those you befriended and ministered to! 50 years since meeting! God only knew then the stories that would unfold. Love and blessing to you and yours!
Yes, God only knew! What added blessings getting friends all along the way! Your family is a treasure to us. Hugs, L
would love to see you again….after lo, these many years!
We had such a good conversation at D’s memorial service. I guess we shouldn’t wait for funerals to see each other! Hugs
I found your blog:) I love your meeting “dear (or not so dear) husband” journal. Dave and I met in a Gospel of John class with Dr. Goddard. I think a very good place to meet your lover/partner.
Thanks for finding us today. Sitting here smiling as I listen to Dave and Jack catching up.
Blessings on you and yours as we all maneuver by faith and trust in the great one.
So happy we reconnected! Love that you met each other in class at Bible school! Amazing that God cares and directs our lives to give us such good gifts. Hugs across the miles, L