It's a love story...

I've been in my first committed serious relationship for the past 5 months.

It's not all roses.

There's been roses, but some (most) of it has been meeting new people, supporting David as he works full time+ at work, encouraging him in his hopes and dreams and thoughts, and cheering him on as he plays his church softball league.

Then there are times of arguments, misunderstandings, and poor communication. We're trying to learn each other.

You see, my love story wasn't like I thought it'd be.
I didn't fall madly in love with a childhood friend that I know like the back of my hand. I haven't been by David's side for years as he's gone through confusion and heartbreak, being his faithful friend.

We knew each other for two months before we started dating. I don't regret it at all. Every relationship is different, and the beginning of this one caused me to trust in the sovereignty of God even more.

I've told people before "Well, we're just trying to get to know each other. It's understandable and expected to have this spat. We started a race before warming up."

After a rough weekend recently I've realized that analogy is COMPLETELY wrong. Yes, it gets the point across...but a relationship is not a race.

No relationship is a race.

David and I are both determined people. We started this relationship marriage-minded. A month into dating, he said he'd been thinking of a time frame for engagement and marriage. I was a little caught off guard but excited. This was a goal to meet! A goal to prepare for, let's make that time frame!

Long story short, we had pretty big blow up. The combination of misunderstanding each other and poor communication.

We came down to the realization we were so goal-orientated, we'd forgotten to focus on the person we want to run the race of life with.

And I thought:
How often do we do this with God?

How often do we think "He's too busy for me to talk to Him about the things I'm feeling and thinking." ?

How often do we get so goal/works orientated, we forget to build an actual, long lasting, understanding relationship with Him?

Sure, life can be the race, but you're not going to make it through well without God's grace.
I'd hate to break it to you, but life isn't even about running your race the best. It's about God.

He cares about every little detail of your life, and He wants to be involved.