Woohoo, Dan got a date!!! (long, really)
 

Ok, this is so far off-topic that it isn't even funny, but I feel like I know this crowd well enough that I have to share this story. Besides, I've solicited advice on meeting women often enough here that it would almost be shameful not to mention this most recent success. :) I should caution those of you who are not of religious persuasion: the following story, while true, makes reference to the idea that God is infinitely powerful, is the sovereign Lord of the universe, and is also intimately involved in the lives of His people. If you disagree, perhaps you should skip reading the story and just start disagreeing with my beliefs -- your call. :)

Anyhow, about a month ago, I realized that I was never going to meet a decent woman in this area. Kitsap County is overwhelmed by Navy. The male:female ratio is something like 8:1, and the females are largely Navy (funny pun, there), or baggage of ex-Navy relationships. I've been asking my married friends for help for quite some time now, and I keep getting the same response -- Dan, we'd love to help, but we don't know anyone. Have you considered moving? Well, yes, but the Navy has orders for me here, so ...

Then, about that time, the next realization hit me. Meeting a decent woman here isn't humanly possible. But I worship a God who does things that aren't humanly possible. Thinking back for just a moment, I realized that it wasn't humanly possible for David to knock down Goliath -- simply absurd. It wasn't humanly possible for Paul to escape from prison by "coincidental" earthquakes -- laughable, really. Then I remembered, particularly, the story of how Isaac and Rebekah met -- completely absurd set of coincidences, the sort of thing that only a master organizer could set up. I realized that, by definition, God hasn't changed in the last 6000 years (or eternity, for that matter), so the same God who worked miracles in the lives of His people back then should still work miracles today. If I were to meet someone, it would clearly be a miracle, as it had been demonstrated to be impossible by human means.

About a week ago, I started feeling like God was leading me to ask a particular friend for his thoughts on the topic. It wasn't like "Go ask Wes if he knows anyone nice," but more like, "Go talk to Wes about the rotten demographic -- he may have some support or encouragement." It turns out that Wes (and his wife Kari) had been thinking about introducing me to someone for a while, and last Wednesday -- before I could bring up the topic -- Wes said he had someone I needed to meet. That's an interesting coincidence -- that Wes would have it in mind to mention it to me, the same week that I was about to mention it to him. Wes and I had no way of knowing that we were both about to broach the same topic. Hmmm, coincidence, I'm sure.

Well, quite by coincidence, I had met one of this girl's friends just a few days earlier -- totally random coincidence, certainly nothing divine happening there -- she and her boyfriend happened to sit next to me, and we happened to talk. Wes and Kari decided it would be best if the friend introduced me to the girl, Julie, at church on Sunday. I'm thinking this is a great plan until I actually arrive on Sunday. We meet in a high school auditorium, and the space is utterly inadequate. Between services, 300 people are trying to get out of the auditorium and 200 other people are trying to get in -- it's a madhouse. Finding any particular individual less than 8' tall in this mob would be a miracle!

But, purely by coincidence, I happened to run into Julie's friend. And completely at random, Julie happened to wander up and say hello. Neither of us saw her coming, had to flag her down, catch her attention, or anything -- she just walked up on her own. Given that Julie is like 5'2" and doesn't generally wear bright colors, there was no way we'd pick her out on our own. What a coincidence!


But of course, in the same way that a good tamp, flow, and crema don't indicate a good shot of espresso -- the test is in the flavor -- I couldn't know that there was anything _here_ until we actual stopped to talk. We went out for coffee tonight, and brothers, God is good. I know it's just a "first date," but she's amazing. The Bible says that God will bless us in ways beyond all we ask or imagine -- and He does. I know, I know -- it's just a bunch of random coincidences, perfect chances that just happened to go my way. I know, I know, there is no god, I've wasted my life, and the Bible is made of swiss cheese just like Pluto. Sure, nothing is verifiable, I have no shining voice from heaven, right, of course. Yes, I understand, I'm totally given over to viewing my world through "God colored glasses," and you're totally right. As for me, I will serve God, so say what you will.

Thanks to those who've offered support, advice, and wisdom. Thanks for listening to my silly story, and thanks for empathizing along the way. Moses, wasn't it you, who told me that when I was ready, my friends would set me up? :) You were totally right.



Dan

Sounds great to me, just don't be too overzealous.

Way cool, Dan. Take it easy. Easy does it. But also enjoy the new connection.

Hey, and God is still a choice, just like Jesus said it was. I find it interesting that folks can review the historical record, and still dismiss Him. But then, He did say (and history bears this out) that God could present us with irrefutable and undenyable evidence, and we'd still overcome this stuff in our minds in order to choose to reject Him. Anyway, the reason I say this is because many folks will look at this string of circumstances and not see any indication of divine influence. Which brings me to something I've said before many times. Some things have to be believed, to be seen. There is stuff, significant wisdoms, that are clear as a bell to believers, that the rest miss.

I too knew I would be married after my first date. Twice. Er... nevermind.

Grats... meeting them is the hardest part. Be a gentleman, and the rest will all come together.

Great feeling, isn't it?

"Take it easy." -- Good wisdom, from both of you. When we went our separate ways last night, my words were "Well, I confess to having had a pretty good time. (shrug) I suppose we could do this again sometime, if you wanted?" I won't claim to have a poker face, but I played a significantly less excited individual on-scene than I did here. If you're of the prayin' sort, I wouldn't mind the occasion prayer: guidance, wisdom, that I don't impose my will on God's, that sort of thing. If you're not of the prayin' sort, nevermind. :)

Supe -- this evidence is only undeniable in person. It loses a lot in secondhand passing. Heck, even in person, I could write this off, I suppose. How's that song go? "Many men will drink the rain, then turn to thank the clouds. Many men will hear your voice, but they will never turn around." How did Joshua say it? "Choose today whom you will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Great line.

Wayne -- I've heard a lot of stories like that. One of my good friends here proposed after only knowing her for 12 days! Scary. I'm not that nuts, really. :)


Dan

Be careful. Desperation will make people do crazy things. Look at online dating.

you better "something about mary" unload prior to that date. eagerness can lead to quickness.

i had an old man tell me, "nothing sexy about deperate". funny coming from an old italian dude, but i took his advice. keep it inside, because i was giddy like a schoolboy on my first date with my latest girl. so far so good. good luck, buddy.

cliff

Dan,
I don't think it's a silly story and I would love for it to work out. Don't go forward with any plans or objectives. Just go out together, have fun, get to know each other, learn what you have in common and the contrasts, where you want to go in life.
The important stuff will take care of itself;)

Don't get me started. I mean, really, in the last year, I have met some of the most amazingly wacko people online. Girl writes, claiming to be a "well-educated good Christian girl looking for a decent guy," turns out to be a stripper who recently dropped a religion class at the local community college so she could go back to work at the shipyard. No foolin'. I had a girl use a picture from 10 years earlier, before she had gained 200lbs. You've heard the bad stories from online dating. I have lived them. Moses was right: "When your friends realize that you're past the 'Bimbo Stage,' they'll set you up."

Thanks for the advice on caution, again. I'm playing a much better poker-face in front of her, and to those who know her. It will required continued restraint not to plan out Valentine's Day a month in advance, though. :)


Dan

How does that not work out? Picky, picky, picky! ;)

Don't let morals get in the way of you getting laid. Be a man. First try your hardest to sleep with her and I guarantee that whole relationship thing will work out.

Stalk her. Chicks love that. It shows you care.

Even when they ACT like they don't like it and call the cops and pick you out of a line up, etc., it's all an act, trying to cover up their true feelings. Perseverance is the name of the game.

It was good of god to take time out of his/her busy schedule to line you up - I guess the stripper was just a test!!

.....and remember, a restraining order is a badge of honor. You must earn it.

ROFL, you guys are killing me.

Best of luck, Dan.

Exactly. A temporary restraining order is a sign of true love.

So those handcuffs the cops place on me when they shove me in the back of the car kicking and screaming -- that's representative of the fact that she'd like to cuff me? Wow, you guys are great! Thanks so much for the help!

I'm not going to get married; I'm just going to find some chick I hate and buy her a house.

The last betty I met was Arab (Palestinian); she had that whole olive complexion, dark eyes, exotic thing going on. Alas, she was only 26, and as hip and shallow as the day is long. Nice bod though (she even ran a marathon a few weeks ago), but I had an overwhelming desire to duct tape her mouth shut. I'm sure a lot of you feel that way about your wives, but on the 3rd date? (no, this isn't the chick from New Year's).

Speaking of which, how is that situation going?