Spreading The News

(April 22, 2007)

Facing Our Church Family:
Oh my, Sunday was a big day! Matt and I had talked about how we wanted to let the congregation at church know about our relationship. The situation seemed to be slightly more complicated since our worship team was singing that morning. Matt surprised me by suggesting an early announcement to our team, I said he could lead the way, and I would follow. The butterflies were up early with me in the morning, while I got ready for church...
When I got there for pre-service practice, Matt was already busy getting the group organized. Practice took place with no signs of what Matt and I had been thru the past week. We all went to pray in the back room, where I totally expected his announcement, and yet nothing happened. He was nervous, as was I. We sat and waited for the service to start, trying to tame the mass of butterflies we were both feeling.
The Gathering was such a wonderful service. It's so worshipful and meditative. Matt and I sat thru the sermon holding hands, wondering who would see and who would say something afterwards. Like nervous kids,...hehe! To my surprise and delight, at the end of the service, Matt came across stage to hold my hand during the reading of the benediction. Well, if that didn't announce our commitment to each other, I don't know what would. I couldn't help but smile.

We had half an hour before Fusion would start (the second service)...so we finally made our way into the foyer, holding hands to see who we could freak out. LOL! Many people were so thrilled for us...the response was incredible. People of all ages were approaching telling us they have seen this relationship coming for months. We both did alot of smiling and blushing. The comments and congratulations were just confirmations for me; letting me know that we aren't the only people who think God has brought us together. My only question: How come everyone saw that it was mutual before me???

Fusion went smoothly too, followed by more friends and congregation members congratulating us. What a morning! We finally got away to have lunch with my Mom, Sue and Val, who each took numerous stabs at us throughout the meal...it was so much fun!

I came home after lunch...I needed time to settle my emotions from the morning. A headache threatened, but didn't take root, thank goodness...I was gonna be out of sort enough... At 3:30, Matt picked me up to go have dinner with his parents.

Meet 'The Parents':
Bev and George are wonderful people. They made me so comfortable, welcoming me into their home. Talk went from memories of Matt's childhood to stories of Brady, Matt's nephew. Bev was bold enough to say they are hoping and waiting for more grandchildren. hehe! (something my mom would say too, no doubt). Dinner was tasty, and again conversation flowed ok... Obviously I acted a little shy and felt somewhat out of place, but hey, it's my first formal "meet the parents" dinner. Overall, I think things went well...I hope they liked me, cause I know I sure like their son...giggle, giggle. Best thing is, I bet my parents would get along great with Matt's parents...scary thought, eh!

Our evening consisted of Ignite meeting at the church for another chat about Prayer...after which everyone in attendance had to try praying. It was such an awesome event to be apart of...such openess and trust. I think our group is starting to really gel as friends. Some of us ended the night with a stop at Timmy's, where conversation is always indepth, and had few limits. You NEVER know what might come up around a Timmy's table!

Matt dropped me off afterwards, and joined me for a little walk with my dogs (Paige and Jackson). We said our goodnites and he left.
I'll admit I came home and had a little ...episode? Just all the emotions of the last week finally hit, compiled with thoughts of the future. I was overwhelmed.

God is Awesome
His Timing is Perfect
He Holds My Future
...(there's something missing here...perhaps it will come to me later...)

So yesterday was a pretty big day. It was totally fun and exciting, but in many ways I am glad it is over. Now, Matt and I can look to today, tomorrow and our future...