First Dates & Valentines

My very first date was to a Valentine's Banquet when I was sixteen years old.  The sweet memories of youth came flooding back to me this week as my husband and I attended another Valentine's Banquet.  This one . . . forty-two years later.  I got to share the evening with my beautiful sixteen year old granddaughter who was on a first date with a young man.  As I sat watching her, those memories of years long past slowly unfolded before me of a very shy, young girl who was just beginning to experience the world of dating and romance. And now, so many years later . . . here I was, a Grammy, watching my precious granddaughter begin that journey for herself. My heart filled with joy and happiness as I saw her smile and laugh throughout the evening and I wondered what wonderful and magical things were in store for her in the years ahead. 

I barely remember the boy I went to the banquet with . . . somewhere along the way I met and fell in love with another young man who I later married.  A man I still deeply love after forty beautiful years together.  

And so, my sweet granddaughter . . . someday (when you are much, much older) I pray the Lord will lead you to the young man of your dreams . . . and to a love that will last a lifetime . . . just like He did for me. 

BUT remember  . . .  it all begins with a first date!  

Cathy