“Once upon a time, there was a little girl who couldn’t see a thing! Ever since she was born, she was blind. Her parents were very poor and struggled to get by, but nonetheless, they managed. However, because they were very poor, they couldn’t afford to move closer to a school for the blind, so she was left with no choice but to attend the local school. At home, her parents could help her, but when she was at school, she was on her own. Teachers would be very frustrated with her, because the only way that she could learn was by listening, and she was only able to do homework and tests orally. Consequently, she had very few friends, and no one really enjoyed playing with her, because how do you play with a girl who can’t see? ‘Well, you can trip her,’ so the kids thought.
“Truly, no one stood up for her, until a young man transferred. It was only the third grade, but none the less, he was a man. On his first day of being at that school, when someone tried to shove her over, he nudged her to the side and was knocked to the ground in her place. Even though she was unable fully express her thanks or repay him, this act of chivalry would set a pattern for many years to come. All throughout their schooling years, he would guide her from class to class. He was not violent, but he was very protective. If anyone ever did anything to her, he would always be at her side to receive the laughs as well. Once they graduated high school, they both attended the same college. While at college, she was no longer made fun of, but she did need much help with studying and homework.
“He helped her the whole way! All the way until the end. They both graduated side by side. It was then that he made a big decision. Due to technology advances, he sold all that he had so that she could have eye transplants. The thought of being able to see was foreign to her because she could never afford such a thing. So she went to the doctor and a successful surgery was performed. In order for a full recovery, she was not able to see for a full week due to a blind fold over her eyes. But before she could take her blindfold off, this young man led her out to an open field with a picturesque panorama.
It was then that her mother peered her head through the door and asked, “Is everything all right?” “Yes, my darling, everything is just fine.” he replied with a smile, “Okay. What are you two up to?” Their daughter instantly shot out, “Daddy was telling me a story!” Her mother laughed and said, “Oh! A story. I love those.” As she walked out, she said this with a twinkle in her eyes, revealing the faint scars beneath her eye brows.
The night sky was crystal clear, unfolding rows upon rows of glistening stars. This picturesque view was pleasantly reflected by a quiet still lake surrounded by trees. However, a short distance out from where the trees ended, an old dock extended into the midst of the water, braving the cold chill that carried the breeze along.
As the chorus of crickets harmonized with the wind above the water, two pairs of footsteps could be heard in the distance. The crinkling of leaves soon turned into the creaking of wood as a young man and young woman gradually walked towards the end of the old dock.
Silence replaced their words for quite some time, accompanied by the ever-so-diligent crickets. However, the moments remained frozen, for just as the scenery leaned in to hear their words, the crickets knew very well that they were merely but an accompaniment for the arrangement to follow.
It was only a matter of time before the young man, once again, broke the silence. “I’m sorry. I-… I’ve been looking for you for so long, and,” he took a deep breath. “I…- I just… I can’t seem to find you.” Her response contrasted his worry, as she softly said, “I understand.” This provoked a smile from the young man, releasing some present tension.
It was once again silent for some time as the both of them stood in awe of the stars and surrounding water. It was clear to each of them that the other was deep in thought. Meanwhile, an ever so slight smile crossed her face as she quietly asked, “Are you willing for me not to be?” The young man’s eyes widened at the thought. “What do you mean?” The tone of her smile crossed over into her eyes which turned to look at him. She paused and then gently asked, “Are you willing to never marry me? Are you willing to give me up only to pursue your King in all His fullness; to hand me over to Christ and let Him make all the decisions?” A chill ran up the young man’s spine like a train, only to crash into his heart and explode.
A smile returned as she wiped her tears and said, “I do.
“But oh, you have to understand. When I am held to a higher standard than your pursuit of God, when you are not fully surrendered to Him ‘for my sake’, you’ve failed me.” The young man trembled as he could feel his walls of pride crumbling to the ground. “I am not asking you to run in the opposite direction. I am asking you to seek the Lord. Please, you cannot seek me and the Lord at the same time.” He slowly nodded, but then she continued to ask once more, “Are you willing to seek the Lord and give up all possibility that He will ever place me at your side, meanwhile, joyfully following in His perfect will?!” Tears began to fall from his eyes as he gazed up at the stars. They were so beautiful, and he could not help but think of Christ’s love of being even more beautiful. Oh, the joy of loving and serving a God who has such an infinitely greater love.
The young woman let out a sigh of relief in response, followed by a question. “That being the case, with regards to me, will you do something?” The young man looked at her and said, “Anything.” She smiled and replied, “Then please, do nothing.” A confused look crossed the young man’s face. “Nothing?” “Nothing,” she said. “If God is to bring us together, let Him bring us together.” The young man crossed his arms and tilted his head, longing for an even further explanation.
The young man smiled at the young woman standing beside him. “Thank you. I’ll remember those.” She smiled back saying, “Good.” she paused to formulate what to say next. “Don’t wait on me, because if you wait on Who you’re supposed to, then as far as I go, someday, you might not have to.” He gave a firm nod, acknowledging her words. His eyes returned to the night sky, scanning the stars.
His gaze toward the stars turned to his right, however, he saw nothing but trees lining the lake shore. Never before so appalled, he turned around in dismay, fixing his gaze upon the old dock. It was then that he noticed a layer of dust that spread across the deteriorated wood; only one pair of footprints was visible.