Once upon a time

Once upon a time, there was a girl who went on holiday with her family. While on holiday, she was reunited with the boyfriend: previously arranged of course. Reunited for the first time in a year, no affection was visible. To the outsider, they were just friends, but to Alison and Andrew, they were more than that. Andrew, being athletic, participated in most sporting events, where Alison, less athletic, did not. This often left Alison alone to gather her thoughts, and write poetry, which she often did.

Alison, a school girl, anxiously waited for the dreaded exam results, as she required only one pass for University. She had a circle of friends here, by the time her results came through. Andrew had introduced her to Paul: an older guy, who always carried his bible under his arm. Through general conversation, Alison had shared with stranger, Paul, that she was awaiting fate in the form of exam results.

One sunny summers day was about to end in tears for poor Alison. She discovers that she has failed her exam, and feels herself at a loss. Alison’s saddened parents, comfort her, as she cries into her lap. They leave the room, to allow Alison to be comforted by Andrew. Alison longed for a hug of comfort…but what did she get? A sympathetic eye and a cold shoulder. No hug, no feeling of warmth or comfort…nothing!

Alison carried on as normal, but dreaded Paul asking how she scored on her exam. Evening came, and Alison’s eyes were finally dry, and no longer puffy or red. Paul walked over to her with high anticipation. “How did you do?” he asks, eager to here that she was successful. Upon finding out, she had not been successful, he offers his apologises, and tells her, he’ll pray for her.

Let examine the difference here. Long-term partner of Alison, offered nothing but a cold shoulder, whereas this complete stranger offers his prayers and apologises. There’s more to come.

The next day, not much had changed by way of how Alison was feeling. She did realise that this was part of God’s plan, but was unaware why. A day packed with mixed emotions, came to a slow end, with a night of ten pin bowling. Just before Alison left, Paul called her over. After not seeing Paul all day, she was keen to see how he was doing. She walks over to see him. “I was praying for you last night and today”. Isn’t that one of the nicest things to hear ever? To hear someone say that they prayed for you, is the most beautiful gift there is. He had written down a few bible versus for Alison, so she writes them down on a piece of scrap paper that he has. She also keys them into her phone for quickness, as she is being rushed by her friends who are keen to leave for bowling. Alison, touched that Paul prayed for her, leaves with a smile on her face, and arranges to meet Paul the following day.

The evening ended, and morning came. After breakfast, Alison and Andrew went for a walk to talk about things. Alison receives a phone call from her sister, telling her that she has been offered a place at summer school, after which she could go to University, if she passes. Excited Alison wants to share the news with Paul. Andrew and the boys, go and play a came of football, leaving Alison sitting on the grass at the side. Paul walks over to keep Alison company. She shares the good news, to wish he replies to with “that’s an answer to prayer”. The time they shared together will remain in Alison’s mind as a beautiful memory.

Football finishes, and a few of the gang play a game on the grass. Paul and Alison exchange flirty jokes to each other, but no-one picks up on this. Paul and Alison spend a lot of time together for the remaining few days. They form a strong friendship which was founded on God’s greatness.

Hours before Alison leaves, she waits patiently, searching for Paul to come and say goodbye to her. He didn’t come. He disappeared into thin air, never to be seen again. Both go their separate ways, unable to contact each other. Andrew and Alison break up shortly after, and Alison tries to find a way to find Paul. She fails. She prays for him everynight…for a year and a half, praying that he would be kept safe. She still prays for him, just not as often as she once did. She sits and wonders how he is doing, if he’s married or single, if he’s still walking with God…wondering if he still lives. Alison remembers him when she is reminded that her husband while carry a bible under his arm everywhere he goes. She has only met two guys who fit this description, Paul, and on other, who is now in a relationship.

The hope for tomorrow hangs in the air. Alison carries with her in her purse, those bible versus he shared with her, along with a photo of him. Is he the man she will marry someday? Will fate bring them back together? Alison hands this over to God and waits patiently to find out what He has is store for her.

Faith brought us together
Destiny took us apart
We will always be together
If we only follow our heart.

peace

girl in the single lane