1.27.2009
My wife and I went to youth group together, but we never talked. For two reasons: 1. I was a senior and she was a freshman, nuf said- and 2. I was dating someone pretty seriously and into other things (see post #7).
So we knew of one another, but it wasn't until about 8 1/2 years later that I would be meeting her again in a whole new light. I was still a youth pastor and was also heading up our college/career ministry. My roommate and I thought it would be a great idea to gather some people together for community, music, food and getting to know one another in the hopes to talk about God.
So we made the fliers, got the food, set-up the sound system, and 40+ people came out... in our two bedroom apartment. Insanity. It was so much fun though. A few girls showed up who didn't knock, they just came in like they knew me. Enter into the story , Carrie and friends. She told them she knew me and it would be a cool place to meet "Christian" guys. I was smitten by her instantly. We hit it off and she wasn't able to get rid of me. (I'm sure her version is a little different).
About 3-4 months into the whole "hanging out" process, I knew I had to tell her. I had to come clean with my past, my struggles, my lack of self-control, etc. In my heart I knew this girl was going to be the one and I had to come clean for her sake.
I remember it vividly. We had just got back form a date and I was dropping her off at her house. We walked into the kitchen which had just a single light on right above the table. When we sat down it was like those cop shows with the glow almost blinding and everything else around us was pitch black. I cleared my throat, and began to spill my soul.
The look on her face didn't read anything. It was blank. I kept talking. Sharing. Tripping over words. Hoping I was making any kind of sense. After awhile she reached out her hand, placed it on mine and stopped me... "Thank you." she said.
"Thank you for being honest with me. I knew some of those things about you, others I didn't. But, I am glad you decided to share that with me. I want to know you more and more every day. I want you to know me more and more every day. I see this going great for a long time to come. Jason, I love you."
I broke. The flood gates opened up. I was a little baby and she hugged me until it stopped. Then she shared some struggles she's had in life. I couldn't believe she trusted me with her journey and pain she had to deal with. She is the first and only person on this earth who truly gets me, brokenness and all. I knew that day she was the one I wanted to marry. And we did.
It was the beginning of a very crazy journey in Sept of 2004 as we joined as one together under God's leading. Then, some interesting things happened along the way...