50 years ago – March 1971.
I bet some of you reading this may have been alive then. Do you remember March 1971?
I do. A significant event happened, but at that moment I never realized that this was a turning point in my life.
Even you, my younger friends, have experienced a meeting, a word, an interaction that at the time seemed small. Maybe fun but not life changing. Another notation on the calendar, the to-do list. A minor memo that slowly and surprisingly took root and grew beyond any expectations.
March 1971 – I remember riding back to my college dorm with my then current boyfriend. I recall saying to myself. “He is such a nice guy but just not the one. There is no spark here. I really should try spending time with someone new.”
A girl-ask-guy party was coming up on campus. I looked around at several meetings scanning the crowd for a possibility. I remember looking at tall blonde Paul, wondering about him when I noticed a shorter brown-bearded guy next to him. Chip – Bill’s nickname. Seeing him made me smile. Friendly. Not pretentious. I didn’t have to put on a show or be something I am not around him.
I asked Bill to the party. A quick decision. I didn’t feel the earth move or lightening erupting from heaven. I never heard a voice shout, “Behold this moment. This is the one!”
But God knew.
We went out and had a good time. That missing spark? My heart warmed and rekindled around Bill. The slow glow of love bloomed.
50 years ago, I took a risk. I hungered to be with someone I didn’t have to pretend to be something I wasn’t. I wanted a partner. A friend. A companion. I found someone who loved me as I am.
50 years. POOF!
Where have the past 50 years gone? Time flies so quickly. I feel a need to pause, grab the moment and cherish this gift.
God sent me Bill. And 50 years later we are still together. We didn’t get married until July 1972 so we have a big anniversary looming next year but this moment in March 1971 needs to be honored and recognized too.
An insignificant momentary decision that led to a wonderful life together.
Thank you, Lord, for giving me Bill.
Do you have a moment in your life that at the time seemed minor but in hindsight you realized its importance?
Oh, Jean, what an amazing story! I’m glad that God put Bill and you together so many years ago. It was definitely meant to be.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. Yes an amazing point in my life
I’m in the church I’m in and married to a guy who grew up in that church because when we were on holidays just over 33 years ago my father went to head office and asked for a transfer back to Brisbane, expecting to get it in a year or so and not in a few weeks. This lead me changing to a new school in my last year of school & our new neighbour inviting me to Sunday Morning Youth and the church where I met my husband of 26+years.
1971 is also a significant year for me as I was born in 1971, so have a special birthday coming up later in the year.
love your story, Jillian.
Loved your story, Jean! And praise God for directing even the “insignificant momentary decisions.” One of mine occurred shortly after 11:00 a.m. or so, the first day of classes, sophomore year, September 1968. Biology started at noon so I headed to the cafeteria for lunch. Moments later, tray in hand, I looked for a place to sit. “Hey, Nancy!” called my friend, Cecil. (Yes, Cecil!!) “Come eat with us!” That table of five or six ate lunch together the entire semester. Next to me each day sat a handsome guy named Steve. We became good friends, teasing each other, bantering back and forth. Soon he was walking me to biology and that led to dating. We were married, August 1970. (Thank you, Cecil!)
love this.. congrats on your marriage too
Jean, I absolutely do. I still have a clear memory of meeting my Jim. It will be 50 years in October for our first meeting. And as you say, Poof! We didn’t marry until 1974. And yes, God has been faithful all these years. Thanks for this beautiful framing of a single moment, that indeed was so significant.
amazing how quickly the years go by. I think it hasn’t been that long but wow it is!
Happy Anniversary … may the next many months be filled with celebration as you remember all the firsts that began with this one.
Thanks Janet, Love your blessing!