Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. Our times are in his hand who saith, ‘A whole I planned, youth shows but half; Trust God: See all, nor be afraid! 

Robert Browning, 1812-1889

Eight years ago, I ventured to a coffee shop to meet a man I’d never seen before. I saw photos of him. I read statements he said about himself, but there’s something to be said about meeting someone face-to-face. And eight years ago was the day I met Jim for the first time.

I’d been down the road of meeting the first time. Sometimes there was a head connection. Perhaps we had a lot in common. Perhaps there was chemistry. Most of the time, there’s something that didn’t fit quite right.

When Jim suggested we meet for coffee on that early September day, I was open to find out if we might be the right match and not spend time wondering if this guy might be the one. Join me as I remember.

I’m not going to try and explain chemistry. All I can tell you is we almost immediately knew. I believe God had been preparing our meeting for several years. Both of us had mourned spouses who were no longer on earth. Both of us had been wounded by being with the wrong person.

I remember asking God to bring a man into my life who loved Him-God-more than I did. I unabashedly asked God to bring someone into my life who would be crazy about me. That he would love family–mine and his. And yes, I asked that we would know if we were right for each other. And He did on that day eight years ago.

I like what a prophet from the Old Testament says:

Even to your old age, I am He,
And even to gray hairs I will carry you!
I have made, and I will bear;
Even I will carry, and will deliver you (Isaiah 46:4 NKJ).

It’s good to know He will carry me! How do I know? He has shown me throughout my life. Through the exciting, happy times such as eight years ago. He carried me when I didn’t think I could survive another loss. He will be with me when I meet Jesus at the end of my life.

We don’t know what’s around the next corner, but we do know who will carry and deliver us. That’s a promise for you, too.

Today, think back to when God carried you. During exciting times. During the times when you couldn’t carry yourself. And to the special times of new beginnings of love. Enjoy those memories.  We are. Today, tomorrow, and however long our Lord gives us together.