diamond love

you would think i would be used to this by now...

another girl just received a token of diamond love on her finger... a beautiful gift, a symbol of promise from the love of her life. surrendering briefly to one of the common stereotypes placed upon my gender, i always become a giddy, giggling, crying mess of "girl" upon learning such news. she seems to be intensely in love, has expressed her gratitude to God for an incredible guy... and can't wait to pick out her dress, her veil, her invitations, the wedding date, the honeymoon spot, the colors for the bridesmaids dresses, the place for the rehearsal dinner, the floral arrangements, the photographer, the cake, her hair-style, the places to register, musicians for the wedding, food for the reception, the number of guests to invite, and her fiancé’s ring.

you can see it happening... something simple, pure, and holy just got placed at risk.
over the past 20 years, i've watched many fairytale dreams of mine and my friends twist and turn, taking on the form of plans. to a point, it's all completely healthy and beautiful. although i am unmarried, i have watched many of my friends walk down the aisle to the men i firmly believe the Lord intended for them, for the rest of their lives. by association, i have experienced in some small (but real!) measure, the joy and excitement they have felt.

unfortunately, i have been juggled into the circus of details, as well.

maybe it is naive for me to write such musings, being an unmarried girl... maybe there is a planning-euphoria that takes over every woman when the man she loves bends his knee to offer her his love and his life. because such ignorance and lack of experience does put me at risk, let me assure that i do not mean to offend, judge, mock, or disregard any sister who is wisely and freely enjoying in and partaking of the blessings God has placed upon this season of her life. the unrest in my spirit upon this issue is not due to the celebratory nature of the engagement-period... rather, it is due to the potentially dangerous aspect of this period which would cause (and has caused) many a wise, focused woman of God to become ensnared by the idolatry of dreams, plans, and gift registries.

... with all my heart, i cannot wait to be married. i cannot wait to have and to hold one man, with all that i am, 'till death do us part... whether we serve the food at our reception on fine-china or paper-plates, whether the number of bridegrooms match the number of bridesmaids, and whether or not my dress was on sale or custom-designed... i cannot wait for that day -
take or leave the details.

... it's just something to think about.