The Lord of the Ring - Episode 2

When God Writes My Love Story

Episode 2 - The Lord of the Ring







Delight yourself in the LORD and
He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

This verse, that has echoed in every letter, word and sentence in my last testimony, continuous to echo in every second, minute and hour of my journey. It testifies of His faithfulness in my life. He is faithful not because of who I am nor what I’ve done but because of who He is.

We were talking about proposals and engagement rings then. My cousin has just gotten married and everyone was still on a wedding high as most got involved in the preparations one way or the other.

“If you’re going to propose, a blue box would be nice.” Claire jokingly blurted. Yes, the famous little blue box. It was every girl’s dream of receiving some type of jewelry wrapped in a trademarked blue colored box associated with romance, elegance and exclusivity. Looking into some fashion magazines I realized she wanted a T&Co. I didn't know what it was since I have a shopping and fashion IQ of a Neanderthal.

I wanted to surprise her and I was wondering if the ring was feasible. I found out that there are T&Co. stores in Manila.  I quickly went to the store and checked if they have something within my pocket’s reach. It was not meant to be. They are really exclusive! With my current status, T&Co. is definitely out of my league. Besides, a lead time of 6-8 months is needed when purchasing from them. I checked my options; T&Co. is not one of them. I finally set it aside at the back of my mind.

'My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord.
'For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9

But God had something different in mind. I didn't see it back then. He’s preparing me for something. I just needed to trust Him. And so I did.


I was to be sent to Atlanta, GA for 6 months work. This will be the first time I’ll be away from home for such a long time. Claire and I have been dating for only a few months. Thinking about it, we’ll be distant longer than we’ve been together.

Long before, I never believed that long distance relationships ever work. Ours will now be put to the same test. It was sad. But I had to trust Him and His purposes.

April 15 was when I flew to Atlanta. I soon found out that life is different in the US. I had to cook, wash the dishes, clean the house, do laundry, and iron my clothes – be independent! Friends were saying that I became domesticated. The chores were not that bad, it was the longing of loved ones, family and friends that was difficult. With all the comforts provided, I was not happy. I fully realized that material affluence can never buy happiness. Happiness is found in the contentment of what you have and in the midst of people you love and love you as well.

In spite of the homesickness, I knew that I was here for a purpose. That was to be my source of comfort. In times of difficulties, I had to learn to trust in Him - like silver refined over the flame.

Then I remembered the ring. There was a T&Co. store in Atlanta!

I quickly sent an email inquiring about their rings. I was hopeful. A few more exchanges and found a ring within my budget. I was informed that they will be increasing their prices over the weekend. I had to act fast. Soon enough, I have the ring in my possession. Only later will I appreciate fully the significance of the ring.

And my God will meet all your needs
according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19


I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed,
you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move.
Nothing will be impossible for you.
Matthew 17:20

I could have bought any diamond ring. End of story. But Claire wanted something seemingly over the top. She wanted something that required faith - faith as BIG as a mustard seed; faith that can move mountains. I claimed His promises and from His abundant riches the ring came to be.

The ring is not my own, it is His gift to me. It is the fulfillment of His promise. It is a demonstration that nothing is impossible for Him - laying claim, with a dash of faith, from out His abundant riches. And He did provide… over and above my expectations - without busting a penny from my own paycheck!

I held on to the ring for 5 more months of my stay in Atlanta. It reminded me of His faithfulness at times when my faith wavers. I knew and found comfort that He is sovereign at times when Claire and I would have misunderstandings. The anxiety would often be magnified by the distance and separation. It was a firm foundation in unsteady circumstances.

Time flew quickly. My stay in the US was enriching and my worldview has expanded. I went to places I wouldn't imagine I would be able to visit. I met old and new friends. Old friendships grew stronger. I met amazing people.

I was invited to a retreat by new friends I met a month before returning back home. It was a timely source of spiritual refreshing and renewal. We shared testimonies of God’s faithfulness in our lives. I shared my story - the love story that God is writing for me. They prayed for me. They blessed me and anointed my head with oil. It was my confirmation.  I was ready to go home.


The Proposal


We left our home of 6 months and arrived Oct 6 in Manila. We’re already talking of wedding plans by then. Friends were teasing about a dramatic airport proposal. I knew Claire didn't care much for public displays of affection. She wanted something special and intimate. It will not be at the airport.

It was tempting to be lazy with the proposal having the ring. Fine dining for two, live romantic music, bouquet of roses to be capped with the question of commitment would have sufficed. It was clichéd. It will be too predictable. This happens only once and it was every woman’s dream that their engagement would be special.

We had planned for an out of town trip to Tagaytay once I got back from the States. She only had a day to spend her vacation leave for the year. I thought this is the best opportunity to pop the question. I was thinking of Antonio’s but it turned out her leave fell on a Monday and they close shop on Mondays. I wanted to ask her hand from her mom but she decided not to join us at the last minute. The car wasn't in its tip top condition and I wouldn't want to risk taking it out of town. It seems my plans are not turning out as expected. It was not to be in Tagaytay.

God is love…
1 John 4:16

It takes a lot of effort to think of a memorable proposal. It may take a lot more to execute it. Since God is Love, why not ask for help from the Ultimate Romantic?  He has been faithful from the beginning and I am expecting great and wonderful things yet to come to those who believe. I believed.

Last year, I had thought of getting a condo unit as an investment. It’s a small studio sized unit, small enough to begin a life as a married couple. Late this year, I was informed that the unit is ready to for occupancy. After getting back from Atlanta, I worked on getting my new home. She knew of it as we’re already making wedding plans. That was all she knew of.

I thought of doing the proposal in our new home. It would take a while since I had to pay for some dues and needed to submit some documents. It would have been nice if the proposal would fall on a monthsary – we hadn't had a chance to celebrate it since I’m far away. Too bad she would be on duty as a resident that day. I guess any other day would be ok.

And God intervened.

I got all my requirements ready for submission. Miraculously, Claire told me her scheduled duty would slide a day earlier. I can now propose on our monthsary! I went to the condo’s sales manager, Billy, and submitted all my requirements. I told her of my engagement plan. She was elated! I shared my story only to find in our conversation that she’s a Christian as well. I also discovered that she’s a retired wedding planner! As Claire and I were already talking about the wedding, we have yet to decide on the wedding planner. Billy mentioned she was willing to help me – on the engagement plan and on the wedding itself! At no cost!

Billy is an angel and she’s heaven sent. She suggested that I could use the rooftop for the proposal – for free. It would be an exclusive dinner for 2 with candle lights, flowers, balloons! It was brilliant. It will be amazing.

Foolishly, I started to doubt. I only have a day left. Where will I get the flowers? How about the table? Where do I get the balloons? How about the food? How much? Is it expensive? Thinking about the work that needs to be done made me almost want to give up.

I remembered God’s faithfulness. It knocked some sense back into me and surrendered all my doubts. Why doubt now when He manifested Himself in far more difficult things and situations – I was reminded of the ring again.

The following day I met up with Billy. She volunteered to help me prepare for the proposal. She personally knew of a florist nearby and could pull some strings. Amazingly she did! She got me my fancy table cloth, flower centerpiece, and candles to boot. She knew of a nearby store that sells party favors as well. Next thing I know, I have floor balloons and balloons on a string imprinted with “Will you marry me?” They will be ready the next day. She also volunteered to prepare the meal for me. She agreed to buy the wine and lend her own dinnerware. It was amazing! Everything was falling into place! I was anxious the previous day about the preparations and now everything is set. It was effortless. It was divinely orchestrated.

It’s proposal day and I’m excited. Claire hasn't got a clue of the things that will transpire. We agreed to go out for our monthsary dinner. That’s all she knows. I took my leave from the office that day. I asked my talented and good friend Bernard to help me prepare for the big day. He came over around 3 in the afternoon.

Claire called soon after. She finished her work earlier than usual only to find out that I was still in the bathroom. I still need to prepare for the setup!  Panic time! I’ll definitely be late for our date.

We hurriedly went to the condo. I found Billy setting up the table at the rooftop. The flowers and balloons are all ready. I left Bernard to help Billy. I was told that they’ll be ready by 6:30pm. It was still 5pm. I had to go. I knew Claire was waiting. She’ll probably be furious as she’s been waiting for an hour.

Surely enough I met Claire. The reception is chilly. Not an ounce of warmth and the usual sunny disposition. I had to stall her as it was still too early. It’s definitely not easy to employ delaying tactics to a livid girlfriend. My only consolation is that all this will change later. I resorted to dragging her to do some window shopping, applying for cell phone subscriptions without bringing the requirements and her waiting on me while having coffee at Starbucks. All this is not helping appease her disposition. My last alibi is that we’re waiting for reservations I made at a nearby dining place we both wanted to try. I can’t hold her off much longer. I have to bring her in.

It’s time.

We drove over to the condo. This will be our new home when we get married. I suggested that she put on her blindfold before she sees the unit. Little did she know that I have balloons placed inside the room.

“No. I don’t want to put on a blind fold.”

Houston, we have a problem. I can’t surprise her if she didn't cover her eyes. I had to think fast! I had to plead with her. Good thing she relented.

I helped her to her seat, blindfolded. I quietly knelt in front of her and carefully brought out the bluebox. I lovingly asked her to take off her blindfold.

“Will you marry me?”

The cold countenance soon melted and was soon replaced with tears. It was a resounding yes!

YES!!!

We talked a bit. We were laughing at ourselves. Now she knows why I was late. I would later learn that she hadn't had a clue of what will transpire. She was resigned to the fact that there will be no proposal since plans were already being made. She wasn't expecting a ring, much more a T&Co. engagement ring!

I suggested we go up the rooftop to show her the view. She didn't know I have another surprise waiting.

Upon reaching the rooftop, we were greeted with a table setup for 2. Balloons announcing the occasion flew beside the table. The entire rooftop landscape was well lit accented by the candles. Romantic music was playing. The table was immaculately arranged with some sparkling wine, food with a beautifully arranged floral centerpiece. I even have a bouquet for her. The weather was perfect – a slight drizzle earlier threatened the original plan. My friend Bernard assumed the role of waiter from being Billy’s help. Everything was perfect.

The evening went well. We laughed and enjoyed each others company. Thanks to Billy and her assistants, Bernard included.

Looking back to the engagement day, I’m still amazed as how God has been faithful to us. Indeed, God is the Ultimate Romantic I always believed He is. I’m privileged I was able to testify of it. I’m now looking forward to more amazing things He will be doing for the wedding and for us as a married couple.

That he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6

Even then, I ask people close to us to pray for us continually. Our desire is not to boast but that God be glorified further in our lives. By His grace, may He find us faithful and worthy of bearing His name. May our story be a blessing to others and may other people be brought closer to Him as we share our story - our love story that God is writing.

It is my desire that people allow to have their life story be written by the Author and Giver of life. It's worth it!

Episode 3? In His time, He makes all things beautiful. In His time. God is good.


related:
http://capncrisp.multiply.com/journal/item/55
http://capncrisp.multiply.com/journal/item/38