Sometimes God works in ways least expected. The following is a true story.

I was jilted. There. I said it. Just five weeks before our wedding, I got the phone call that ended our relationship.

He said, “It’s over. I can’t marry you. I just don’t think I can say the vows.”

My stomach twisted with emotion. I was hurt and honestly, humiliated. As I tossed and turned in bed that night, I thought back to earlier that morning and my conversation with God…

I’m not sure if this marriage is in Your will, but if it isn’t, You will have break it up. I can’t do it. When I said that prayer out loud, I didn’t understand it, but now it began to make sense. Was this God’s answer to my prayer? 

Perhaps it was. This sixty-something widow—me—had already been widowed. Twice. Wasn’t that enough for one person? I felt this new rejection fiercely, and realized I must make a life as a single person and not put my hopes in another man. 

I learned to do things by myself instead of couple groups. I traveled, found fulfillment as a facilitator in a grief group, met many new friends as an inspirational speaker, and enjoyed a wonderful relationship with my grown children and siblings.

There was still something missing. I lacked a soulmate. I’d been on several matching services, but decided I’d spend the extra money and time on one that gave a more detailed personality quiz. We’ll be better matched. I told myself while I filled in the blanks. 

Two weeks later, I sat down to read my Bible and devotional, the sun was shining warmly on my shoulder. I breathed a prayer, If this doesn’t work, Lord, I won’t do any more searching. You will just have to drop him in my lap! And Lord, I said with a smile, would you make him crazy about me—someone who loves me more than I love him? Leaving it in His hands, I felt settled. My future match would not come about by my manipulating someone into being the right person. 

No long after my conversation with God, a new match popped up on my screen. What he said got my attention. He talked about his faith in Christ and seemed unashamed of that faith. Jim also talked about his family and his love for them.

A few days later, we agreed to meet for coffee. I looked for him as I walked into the shop, hoping he’d look like his picture. There he was, a trim man dressed in jeans and polo shirt with a full head of salt-and-pepper hair. 

There was an immediate connection between us. We talked non-stop for more than two hours. Before saying goodbye, Jim asked me for another date. I agreed. 

We went a worship service together, and the church had a barbecue afterwards. Some of my family was there so I could introduce this new guy to them. I could tell they liked him and he made a hit with my grandchildren.

Later in the afternoon, we hiked in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. After our hike, Jim suggested we stop for dinner. 

  While we waited on the lower deck until our table was ready, the warm air cloaked us in a special cocoon, the slow-moving Sandy River visible just below. We watched the sun disappear and the darkening sky take its place in the balmy pre-autumn air as we enjoyed each other’s company. I didn’t want the evening to end.

We drove to my place after dinner and we continued our conversation. We sat on the couch, our backs to opposite armrests and our feet entwined as we talked quietly about anything and everything. Jim would hug me from time to time or kiss me on the cheek. After about an hour, he kissed me again on the cheek and I said, “When are you going to give me a real kiss?”

That’s all it took. He leaned forward and gave me a passionate unforgettable one. We were breathless and after recovering, he looked up. “Shirley, I love you.”

“I love you, too!” I said, surprised by my answer. The connection was amazing. I told him how only a week or so earlier, I had asked God to bring someone into my life who would want to be with me. I said, “I prayed for God to ‘drop him in my lap.’ ”

Immediately, Jim stood up, turned around, and sat down on my lap! We laughed with joy. 

Nine days after our first date, we took in a weekend of Shakespeare plays. In the car Jim asked, “Would you like to stop at the Grotto on our way?”

“I’d love to, if you think we have time. I’ve never seen it.”

We strolled along, hand-in-hand on the quiet pathway in the dim light. Green ferns flourished in the rocky gardens. He told me, “I like to come here and pray.” Soon a larger-than- life statue of Jesus carrying the cross loomed into view. 

“Oh, that’s beautiful!” I breathed as I looked up.

“It’s called the Christus Statue. Let’s stop here for a moment.” Jim paused. “Turn this way, so I can see your face while also looking at the face of Jesus.”

I turned as he asked and he knelt, facing me. My heart quickened as I began to realize what Jim’s intentions were. What will I say?

“I just want to say this in front of this statue of Jesus, the One who guides me in everything I do.” He took my hand, “Shirley, will you marry me?” In his left hand, he held a small box.

I drew a quick breath. Did I really hear what I think I heard? 

“Yes!” I said, as certainty flooded my mind. “I will!” Jim picked me up in his arms and swung me around with joy. I giggled nervously, filled with tummy-pinging delight. I met someone absolutely perfect for me!

We continued on our way to Ashland. Long drives are good for confidential talks, so by the time we arrived in Ashland, we were even more sure we were right for each other.

“When should we get married?” I asked.

“The sooner the better, I think!” he joked. “Christmas is my favorite time of the year. Do you think we’d be ready by early December for a Christmas wedding?”

“I think we could.” 

I said yes!

And then began a whirlwind of wedding plans, purchasing a home together, arranging for our families to meet. 

On a cold December morning, we were married. 

Mister and Misses

Nearly six years has passed since that day when I decided to give that new matching website a try. Before we drop off to sleep most evenings,  Jim will kiss me goodnight and say, “Did I tell you how much I love you and my life with you?”

I smile and reply, “I love my life, too—and you!”

To read the full story, please go to my website and order the book. https://redemption-press.com/shop/beyond-second-chances-heartbreak-to-joy/  If you’d like a signed copy, message me at the bottom of the post and I’ll be happy to send it to you. The book is also available in E-book format.