He and She

He and She

He brought her to church youth group and introduced her to all of us. A stranger who became an acquaintance. We watched her closely because he is loved and important to us. She was nice, friendly even, but was saying that she loved another man.

We reserved our feelings for another time, yet we embraced her and welcomed her into our group. She was cautious and reserved but laughed freely. We were watchful and careful so as not to seem judgmental.

We saw the way he looked at her, the glances that were not returned, his eyes seeking meaning as he gazed into her face and there met only smiling laughing and friendly eyes but no more.

He brought her to us when he could and we watched as their friendship grew. She grew fond of him but was still yearning for the company of another. He waited and patiently kept up the friendship absent of his desire hoping and praying that one day she would see in his eyes the depth of his feelings for her.

Seemed like forever and he was happy to be with her even if he could only be her friend. Some of us saw it earlier than others but there was a twinge of feeling expressed in her eyes and a spark of a distant love was present but hidden, and she denied it even to herself.

Then as hope and patience often do they brought reality to her and he experienced her love release cautiously and slowly but every bit as sweet as he had hoped and dreamt.

The day seemed brighter and now everyone noticed that something had changed, love was in the air. Full and unashamed feelings were freely expressed in private. Then the change was obvious in him. He was happy and excited free from the dark places where he kept his feelings as they now bubbled out and then flooded to her. The result was unavoidable and young love was free and we watched and enjoyed the frolicking and laughing and playing and holding and smiling and all that a heart can entice each one to live and do boldly.

Through all the valleys and dark places some light kept the shadows short; because love is in action and light is there when love acts.

We rejoice in the becoming of their love and celebrate with him and her; the joy in the relationship. He is more like a man now and she more like a woman and the love is deeper and sometimes quieter; but it is strong and it is certainly present.

A new chapter is now beginning, and she must leave for a time to prepare for future endeavors. Leaving him is hard and uncomfortable but is the right thing for now. He is staying in the place where their love blossomed and will see shadows of their love every where. It is the season when the flames of love burn to hot embers and only the coals are visible. But just like the fire after the long rain, a gust of wind will bring the flame licking up from the ash and give its light and heat once again; for love never gives up, love never goes cold, and for this season love will burn hot and deep in the coals and embers of their hearts until they are together again.

Brandon and Kate this story is my view of your summer of love. It is now winter in your season of love and I pray that you will remember that after winter comes spring when all is like new again. Distance and time apart will make the coals cold or fiery hot; and the choice is yours. (I hope you keep them red hot.)

This story is given to you as my hope and gift to you. I care about both of you and want the best for both of you.
It is with that in mind that I offer my prayers and my heart to you in Christ’s love for this season.
God has a plan for each of you and we are going to see Him work the next part out. Choose to put kindling on the fire of your love for each other each day and the embers will hold the flame until the time when you are together again. In His Service, Scott