School Story
It was a humid Louisiana Friday night, and--as usual my Freshman season- I sat on the bench for nearly the whole game. And then I saw her. She was one of the Silver Steppers. I didn't know her name, but I had a feeling I would know it soon...and that my lips would be speaking it for the rest of my life.
I spent the night at my buddy's house (Rufus Boyd) one weekend and saw her picture in his 8th grade yearbook. Her name was Sheri. She was in his Spanish class, and he thought that her homeroom class was the choir room down by the gym. I was determined to try and say hello to her before the first bell rang on Monday.
I walked through the gym and saw her talking with some friends as she walked into the classroom. My nerves calmed down as I talked myself out of speaking to her. Weeks passed by of me walking past Mrs. Ryland's classroom hoping that I would catch a glimpse of her (Sheri--not Mrs. Ryland you freaks). I was still too nervous to talk to her.
One morning I walked by without seeing her, and as I was coming out of the commons area she was coming in. "Thank you," she said as I held the door open for her. "You're welcome," I replied. We were FINALLY talking to each other!
It would be approximately another five months--close to the end of the school year-before we had an actual conversation. And I didn't even initiate it. My little sister Julie had won a talent show contest for dancing (Uh...I mean "drilling") at school, and Sheri (who had heard through the grapevine that I was interested) came up to me to offer her congratulations. Soon after that encounter a mutual friend of ours, Dana Barlow, gave me some coaching for my first phone call I would make to Sheri because I didn't have a clue of what I would talk with her about. The rest is history--except for the adventure that still lies ahead.
Our 26+ year relationship and 20+ year marriage has included it's fair share of rough spots (can I get an "amen!"?). But Christ is always helping us to love, honor, cherish, reconcile, and thrive as a couple and as a family. It takes patience and work, but the rewards far outweigh the costs! Right now we're going through a study together of a book called "Love & Respect" and it is helping us achieve greater degrees of both.
Wherever you are right now and whatever your story, trust Christ! He will prove Himself faithful everytime.
Peace of Christ to you all,
Michael