Finding the Man of My Dreams, Before I Met “The One.”

Twenty years ago, I was on a search for happiness. True happiness. Happiness that lasts longer than a bowl of pasta or a really good piece of chocolate cake. Happiness that gave me a deep-down sense of contentment and overall peace.

During this search, my cousin Carol invited me to go to a Billy Graham Crusade at the Metrodome, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. At the time, I remember saying I would go but was not too excited about it.

On the day of the event, I remember sitting in my chair and listening to Rev. Graham share how God was the only one who could make you truly happy. How he was the only one that could satisfy your every need and give you ultimate joy.

His words hit me hard. For several years, I had been looking for happiness in every human way possible and it only brought disappointment. And, as I sat there, I realized that even though I had always believed in Jesus, went to Sunday School, and got confirmed, I never truly had a one on one personal relationship with Him. I never saw God as a friend. I knew He was always there, but I did not seek Him. I did not talk to Him. I did not know Him.

Billy Graham made it very clear: God was the answer. He was the missing piece. My search was over. God was the answer to true happiness.

So now what? Unbelievably for me, I found myself wanting to walk forward to accept Christ as my Savior. Before I stood up, I remember our seats were in the back of the Metrodome. In order for me to get to the stage, I had to walk down an aisle in between chairs to get to the front. This may sound weird, but as I was walking, it felt like I was walking down the aisle in my wedding. I felt like I was walking toward the man of my dreams. And, I was.

That night was June 19, 1996.

At the end of the evening, they handed us all a card with that date to commemorate our decision. I put it in my purse as a reminder of the day.

For the next several years, I got to know God. I read the Bible. I prayed. I listened and learned. I started to feel content and happy. And, ready to take the next step.

And then it happened. I met Brad. And, after eight months of dating I knew he was, “The One.” Now, if I would have met Brad before I met God, I would have expected him to make me happy. I would have expected him to satisfy my every need. But, that’s not his job. And, that’s not my job for him. Thankfully, he also knew where his happiness came from. We were brought together to glorify God.

Here’s the cool part…About a year into our marriage I was cleaning out my purse and I saw the card that I received the night I accepted Christ. I looked at the date. My heart started pounding and I yelled for Brad. I said, “Look at the date on this card….June 19!” Well, June 19 just happens to be the day that Brad and I got married. I could not believe my eyes! I met the Man of my dreams, and married “The One,” on the same day. I know that was not a coincidence. It still gives me goosebumps to this day.

So, what about you? Are you on a search for happiness? If you are, look no further. Jesus is your answer. Honestly. You will be blown away by what He can and will do in your life. All you have to do is ask Him to come into your heart. That’s it. And everything will change.

Now, will it make everything easy? Will life be magical and free of pain? No, but He will give you strength. He will give you what you need to make it through this life. It will be the BEST decision you could ever make. I promise.

God is waiting for you.