Blur...

The last three and a half(ish) months have felt like a blur. Let me explain...

It was a Wednesday. There was a note and a single red rose on the windshield of my car. I had been a nervous wreck getting ready that morning. I had an observation by someone from a large education company in my 1st period (teacher friends-- you get me) who had helped me plan a lesson the day before. (This is an ongoing process of my school and was not at all singled out to me.) I had been out of the classroom that Tuesday and I was going to be out the following day so I was planning from a sub to a sub and hoping I could teach something that made sense in the middle. I was dressed professionally and walked out to my car with my bags on bags on bags.

And there it was- a bright orange note with my name written on it and a single red rose. I was pretty sure I knew who it was from but was still hesitant until I opened the letter and saw his name.  

Matt.

The name of the sweet man that has pursued my heart over the last three months thoughtfully and totally under Jesus and with grace for both of us. It was a letter saying thank you and a letter that encouraged me. And in the letter, he told me I was beautiful. I asked God specifically for someone who told me I was "beautiful" not just "cute" or "pretty." And He answered that prayer well. And Matt has told me multiple times since. 

And I'm just really grateful for him. And the way he pursues Jesus's heart over mine. And the way he pursues me while following Jesus. 

Rewind again... Three months ago on a Saturday, I went on a dinner date. Our first date. With Matt.

To Lindo Michocan-- one of the best Mexican restaurants in Vegas-- that has a beautiful view of the entire city. He had chosen the seats next to the window and we sat and talked about how we ended up in Vegas, and our families, and our journeys with Jesus. We followed dinner with frozen yogurt and sitting and chatting for quite some time. I went home relieved. And felt something there but wasn't sure what to call it. I had no idea what was coming.

Matt and I had met the Sunday before at Hope (the church we both go to) at an interest meeting for a Tanzania trip and he had called the following Monday. We talked on the phone for an hour, which I realize is not something people do anymore and we both knew that. And definitely not something either of us do with people outside of our families. We planned for dinner Saturday. On Saturday, we went on the date detailed above and it went really well. We saw each other for a few minutes at church on that Sunday, talked on the phone for a couple of hours and then had dinner on Monday.

Basically, the story is we've talked, messaged or seen each other everyday since. 

I have scarcely dated since my freshmen year of college. So this is not just some random blog with a random guy and a few random stories. It is about Matt-- this guy who has sincerely and respectfully pursued my heart and has not allowed me to settle for anything less than what God has asked of me.

He's a complementer and a truth teller but he does not say things for the sake of saying things. He is wise with his words. When we first talked on the phone, he called twice and left me a message on one of them. He opens doors. He brings me flowers every once in a while. He sends me texts while I'm working to let me know he's thinking about me. He is not perfect but is honest and transparent and has said the entire time we've dated he wants to know my heart. And my heart he has totally stolen. 

So I'm a little overwhelmed with it all at times but so grateful I've waited and prayed and begged God to give me a sweet man like Matt. And Jesus has so faithfully answered and given and provided. So my eyes are a little blurry looking at the whole situation but in a good way. In the best way. 

Because Jesus does the best things for us and through us and with us. 

Will share more later-- this blog has taken me a few weeks to just finish! 

Love each of you sweet friends and praying for God's absolute best for you. May we all trust him more and more. 

Melis