Being open.

To all my bloggies out there: I must apologize for the cliffhanger - Wednesday straight after school, I left for Edmonton for Teachers' Convention, and didn't have a chance to update y'all.

So. I think this is actually going somewhere. Truth be told, Februrary 14th was not the first time we went out. [And definitely not the last!]

It's hard for me to articulate feelings while I am still working them out (those who know me, nod knowingly), so this may not be the most coherent of posts.

What can I say of this guy? He's everything I need, and nothing that I expected. Remember the time I posted my list of "Must Have / Can't Stand" traits I was looking for? [I later pulled it for being "too personal"] But I re-read that list the other day, and it just as well may have been a description of him.

He is a man of character in a world where emphasis is put on personality. Sure, he's funny, witty, smart and all that, but it's honesty, trust, integrity and the like that matters. From what I know, and what others speak of him, I could not ask for more in this side of things.

He challenges me in my faith, and my faith is still central in my life. Often times in other relationships I have been in, I'd find myself almost consumed with the person - my relationship with God would take a back burner. I was wrapped up in finding my needs met by another human, and that is a recipe for disaster. People will always let us down. This is different. I'm so excited to get to know him better, but that excitement is shared with God this time. And at the end of the day, I still hunger to spend time in God's presence. That's a good thing.

He cherishes me, and I feel safe and protected. You know how sometimes you're in a relationship and you know you're both in it for somewhat selfish reasons? This guy has demonstrated to me the concept of honouring another - and not in a fashion designed for manipulation and selfish ends. I actually feel safe with him. I feel protected - protected in that he knows my boundaries and shows himself committed to staying within them, even when I would want to move them around or throw them out the window. :-s It ties in with the integrity - he will do what he says he will do and he is a man who does not compromise his word.

And yes, I do know the value of being cautious as well, and I am. I am guarding my heart, seeking the perspective of those closest to me, and most importantly, I am actively being open to setting aside my emotions to hear God's voice in the matter.

I know this is pretty deep for a blog (sorry T!), but I feel like I want to be somewhat open with you who are a part of my life so you know that I haven't gone off the deep end and settled or compromised the things I have been waiting for for so long.

Who knew I'd find all these things wrapped up in Wranglers and plaid?

Don't tell me God doesn't have a sense of humour.