It's crazy how fast things change.
Less than a year ago I sat talking about fall 2009 living arrangements with a young woman who loved Jesus so much and had this peace and contentment in life that I'd never seen in person before. Where my life seemed like a constant struggle with God, Bailey was submissive and obedient to Christ's purpose in her life, and it intrigued me.
God was moving in her life and it was something I longed for in mine.
This summer Bailey told me about Jeff. (First she brought up the strange guy, Mark... but most of the conversation was about Jeff.) So many wonderful things. The letters. The first dates. His intentionality. His love for the Lord. His handy-man qualities. She was excited and really liked him it was obvious, but she wasn't swept away by some fleeting romantic whim and I respected the fact that she was complete with or without Jeff.
Over the fall and winter months, I've grown so much closer to God because of the work He is doing in and through Bailey. Her devotion to spending time with His Word and studying the Scriptures has encouraged me and held me accountable to do the same. God has pursued me through this friendship, and is now more than ever pursuing me with His Word.
Like I said before, Jeff doesn't complete Bailey, nor vice-versa, yet they complement each other beautifully and bring even more glory to God through their relationship with each day they are together. It has been amazing see God teach and mold the two of them (though I really only see things from Bailey's point of view) into two people who love Him, His Word, and His children.
I remember when she first told me about Jeff. I remember when she showed me the letters he wrote her at Sky Ranch. I remember when he was excited to meet me just because I was Bailey's friend. I remember that first morning he cooked us both pancakes, and later secretly planning a Skype and macaroni date for them. It was sweet to hear Bailey finally say she loved him, and getting the fateful phone call from Jeff saying that he wanted my best friend to be his wife, and that he wanted my help in planning the proposal. It really has happened so fast, but it's been an amazing journey.
In short, she said yes and they'll be married before the sun sets on the last day of this year.
Jeff - the proposal was beautiful. The ring is perfect. Your pursuit of Bailey was amazing. You've raised the standard for what a relationship should look like in my life, and I praise God for that.
For the details, check out Bailey's account of Jeff's proposal on our
Project 365 post.
I love you Bailey, and I can't wait to help plan this wedding and continue walking beside you through all these changes!
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Get here soon and enjoy your tree Grayson!
