Tyler:

How do we start this thing?

Debbi:

Tell them how things really started that day we met in Peterson Hall.

Tyler:

Oh yeah, I remember that. We talked for an hour across the lobby table while you and Kate ate from your Covid take-out boxes.

Debbi:

I remember thinking, "This guy is such an open book... but wow, does he talk a lot."

Tyler:

Fair. I probably did talk too much.

Debbi:

Did? Don't you mean, still do…?

Tyler:

Hey, I call it "enthusiastic storytelling”!

Debbi:

Er... right. Anyways. After doing my best to avoid the “enthusiastic storyteller” for about an entire year—

Tyler:

Wait…You tried to avoid your problems? That doesn’t sound like you at all.

Debbi:

Hmm. I think you’re asking for a punch in the face right now.

Tyler:

Woah there! This is supposed to be a family-friendly script.

Debbi:

Ugh, alright. As I was saying… I managed to avoid you for an entire year, but God had other plans.

Tyler:

Yeah, that's where this story really starts—when we found ourselves in a Theology of Children & Family class together. I was definitely interested in you from the start. But I could tell you weren’t into me, so I tried not to make it obvious.

Debbi:

It was obvious.

Tyler:

I figured I’d just play it cool and settle for being your friend. During that class, we started working together on projects and became fast friends—it was actually very natural. We just clicked.

Debbi:

That’s true. I quickly realized I actually wanted to hang out with you and be your friend—I just wasn’t ready to admit it yet.

Tyler:

I have that effect on people.

(Debbi punches Tyler in the shoulder)

Tyler:

Ow!

Debbi:

But the way we really connected was when we both got the opportunity to work as youth interns in Ocean Grove, New Jersey. I remember when we were both thrown into this fast-paced, high-energy environment. We were working hard, but also, we were just… having fun. We started spending a lot of time together.

Tyler:

For sure. We got thrown into the deep end. But it was awesome. Doing ministry together was one of the coolest ways God helped me to get to know you.

Debbi:

Yeah, we were both so passionate about youth ministry, and something about working together and serving together, made me see you in a totally different light. I mean, we were building relationships with the kids, but I think we were also building something between us, too.

Tyler:

We definitely were.

Debbi:

It was like we both felt this deep connection, like we understood each other’s hearts. I mean, there was a moment when I realized—wow, I really like this guy. But we had some major differences, too. Big ones.

Tyler:

Ugh, you're not wrong. After the summer we tried to date, but we hadn’t worked through all our issues. There was a lot of stuff we weren’t ready for, and I think that’s why we ended up parting ways. It wasn’t the right time. I think we both needed to grow.

Debbi:

Yeah, I think we both learned some hard lessons in that time. We had a lot of unresolved stuff to work through. But even after everything, I always knew deep down that there was something still there. Like I hadn’t quite closed the door, but I needed to take time to figure things out on my own.

Tyler:

Same. Honestly, a year went by, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was supposed to find you again. It wasn’t just nostalgia—it was something deeper. Like, God had more in store for us, and maybe we hadn’t finished what we started.

Debbi:

It’s crazy because we had this kind of "second chance" moment. One day, out of the blue, I heard from you again, and we started talking. And I’ll admit, I was nervous. But I also knew it was time to see if we could make this work, now that we had both grown a little.

Tyler:

Yeah, and once we reconnected, it felt like everything clicked into place. We were both in such different places in our lives, and we had learned so much about ourselves and about what we really needed in a relationship. This time, it felt real. Like it was finally our time.

Debbi:

It wasn’t about rushing things anymore. We were both ready for a healthy, strong relationship. And honestly, looking back, all of the waiting, the growing, the time apart—it made us stronger and more sure of what we wanted. And that’s what brought us here today. Together.

Tyler:

God’s timing was perfect, even when we didn’t see it. I’m just so grateful that we got that second chance.

Debbi:

Me too. And I think what makes our relationship so special is that it’s built on Him. We’ve been through challenges, but every part of our story—the good, the messy, and the in-between—has been a testament to God’s love and faithfulness.

Tyler:

Absolutely. Our struggles weren’t wasted. They shaped us and showed us that real love requires growth, grace, and putting God at the center. I see His provision all over our journey. He knew what we needed when we didn’t, and He brought us back together at just the right time.

Debbi:

Exactly. And now, as we move forward, I want our relationship to always honor Him—to reflect His love, patience, and kindness to the world around us.

Tyler:

Same here. If our story can point people to God’s love and remind them that His plans are good, even when they don’t make sense, then it’s worth sharing.

Debbi:

It really is. I’m so excited for what’s ahead knowing that we’re walking this journey together—with God leading the way.

Tyler:

Whatever comes next, I’m just glad it’s with you and that we’re living out a story that’s all about His love and provision.

(Tyler and Debbi hold hands.)

Debbi:

Can I punch you in the arm again?

Tyler:

Um, why?

Debbi:

Just ‘cause it’s fun.

Tyler:

Fine…You know this is going in the script, right?

Debbi:

I’m okay with that.

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