Where it all began...
"Padlock looking for the right combination".This was the headline on Richards online dating profile. I had recently given up on online dating, but when a 7 day free trial came up I decided to give it one more shot. His message said simply "I have no idea where Aubrey is (the town I lived in) but maybe we should meet." It wasn't the most romantic email, but why not. After several bad first dates I wasn't that optimistic and agreed to meet early for happy hour, just in case I wanted to meet my friends later. I didn't even dress very cute! As soon as I saw him I knew THAT was a mistake! This date should have been my best outfit! He was gorgeous! Tall, dark, handsome, and wears flip-flops with jeans. Check, check, and check! I have never felt that kind of instant attraction and I was instantly nervous. While he was telling me about himself I am thinking things like; "I hope he calls again and why did I wear THIS shirt?!" We had the typical first date conversation like where are you from, what do you do, but it was great! I loved how full of life he is. Richard is loud, really loud. He talks loud and laughs even louder. I still tell him today that he "brings color to my world" with the way he lives life. I never met up with my friends that night, we went from there to a club down the street and danced all night. He is an amazing dancer! He attracts a lot of attention on the dance floor but that night he was focused on me. When we got ready to leave he said " I am just not ready for the night to end." We headed to Ihop and talked over pancakes until almost 4am. When we got ready to leave he kissed me good night. Easily one of the best nights of my life!
Little did I know the path my life was about to take. Everything I knew about relationships, God, church, and love was about to change...for the better. Sometimes it is in our ordinary days that God steps in, shakes things up, and adds His extraordinary. The whole trajectory of your life can change in an instant. When we are open and available God can take you places you never imagine.