The Princess
The week from May 31 to June 7, 2003 was one of the longest weeks of my life. Or so it seems. In some ways the time was moving rather rapidly, but really it seemed to take forever. See, I had been in Kalona, Iowa visiting the Princess since May 21. And whenever I'm with her the time seems to slip away rather rapidly...but you see, something happened on May 31 that contributed to time seemingly slowing down, especially the two or three days directly before June 7. What in the world could have happened on that last fateful day in May? Something wondrous and grand, of course!
I had a conversation. Now, nothing terribly unusual about that...except I'd never had one like it before. I talked with the King and Queen Graber about taking their Princess's hand, Shannon, in marriage! Oh my word! Was it really me asking?! Was it really him granting such a tremendous honor?! Even now I can hardly believe it! Anyhow, I was greatly encouraged in our conversation and was much pleased to receive their blessing! Wow, now it was up to me to ask! Again, quite a new experience for me, but one that I relished with appropriate pleasure!
Seriously though, this hasn't been a hasty or flippant decision on either part but has been an exciting and wonderful journey for both of us as we've experienced GOD working in our lives in unexpected ways, and it is definitely a step of faith and trust. I am sure glad the we have a Big and Faithful GOD, because we both know that we can't do this right without Him. We have endeavored to have Him be the Center of our relationship, the very reason that we're together, and we want our engagement and marriage to bring honor to Him and to shine as clear reflection of Him and give a picture His wonderful love for all of us.
We always want this to be a relationship of three with GOD at the Top and in control of everything. We want Him to be the Center of us. So, after much thought, prayer, counsel sought and advice taken, the blessings of our parents, and most importantly peace from GOD, I am very happy to announce that on June 7, 2003, at roughly 8:50 P.M., Shannon Nicole Graber accepted my proposal of marriage!!! Yee haw! Uh, we are both very excited and are planning a November '03 wedding. We know we're not perfect and very inexperienced, :) so any advice or counsel that you would be willing to share would be much appreciated!
P.S. Shannon is such a Princess, such a tremendous treasure, and such a gift from GOD! I am so, so incredibly honored!