How in the world did a guy like Devon end up with a girl like Grace? My friend, I am asking myself that same question. Yet the only answer that I can give is the Lord’s providential kindness. No maneuvering or smooth-talking could have ever put us in the same place but it turns out I really might be God’s favorite. After all, whenever I tell someone my fiance’s name, I always remind them that she lives perfectly to that name. Let me explain just what I mean by that.

The story begins in an unlikely place, the Florida Gulf Coast University. Did either of us go there for school? No. Not in the slightest. I was minding my business at school in Tennessee and Grace was working at a church around Ft. Myers and caring for foster kids (see the introductory question). Yet at that Southwestern school, not only were the eagles soaring, but so was the love of two undergraduate suitors, Nate White and Joy Kite. I am sure you can locate their story on some other Knot webpage, but suffice to say, they fell in love. After graduating, they both moved towards their respective homes. Joy to Waxhaw, NC and Nate back to Lake Alfred, FL. This is where the providence of God becomes evident. Nate’s family at the time was looking for a home church to settle in, and for whatever reason that I am sure was a good one, they decided to come to Lakes Church a few miles up the road. I happened to be serving as a college ministry intern at the time and had the pleasure of meeting Nate. He was clever, kind, and clearly knew ball. My kind of friend. So we grabbed lunch after church with my ex-girlfriend (details shmetails) and he told us his story, including how much he really did love Joy and longed to marry her. Our friendship grew and I knew then that this guy would be a close brother for the long haul. About a year later, it was time for Nate to propose to Joy. She said yes and the planning began. As March 3, 2023 drew closer, they had their eyes on two objectives, marriage… and matchmaking.

A few months before his wedding, and I remember this as clear as day, Nate was sitting on my couch and asked me what was going on in my life relationally. I gave him some roundabout answer that amounted to the truth that I was single and striking out. He then asks, “Joy has a sister, and we have this wedding coming up, would you ever consider talking to her while you’re there.” I responded like any man of God would and I said, “well maybe. Can I see a picture of her?” He pulls out his phone and I am blown away. My instagram was full of power cleans and memes, hers was core values and flowers. She was stunning… I was outgunned and outmatched. But here we were, getting walked into the biggest blessing of our lives.

The first time I laid eyes on her I was stunned again since she was even prettier in person. I remember being shocked particularly at how quiet and yet sturdy she was. To listen and engage were second nature to her. So after talking with her at the rehearsal dinner, I knew I had to make a move the next day. That next day brought matrimony for some and opportunity for others. She looked truly lovely in her pink dress and I looked like I had jumped in a pool (Why I am unable to dance like a normal human evades me, but we all have our burdens to bear). As sweaty as I was, Grace agreed to dance with me, and before the song was over, I had scored a breakfast date the next morning.

It seems challenging to capture the beauty of the last two years in a paragraph but allow me to try. Since dating Grace I have seen what real abiding love is. I resist listing all of my favorite qualities of Grace, but her storytelling, humility, and gentleness sit comfortably towards the top. Long distance has been hard, but worth every sanctifying moment. I’ve seen both of us grow further towards God and one another in ways that would not have been chosen, but were exactly what we needed. Grace has grown more courageous while I have grown more patient. She has steadied her feet to walk in confidence while I have slowed down my stride to delight in the ordinary. Ultimately, she has taught me that love is sweeter than performance and in that I see the Good Story that Christ tells us. She is evidence that surely goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.

So back to the initial question… Isn’t it obvious that God’s kindness is the only answer? All of those things had to fall into place for me to meet the one whose delight seems handcrafted to fulfill the longings of my heart. Nate and Joy had to go to Ft. Myers. Nate had to move back to Polk County with his family. They just had to end up at Lakes Church. My best of friends was marrying a woman whose sister was everything I have ever wanted! Can you see how good he’s been? And now here we are, planning a life together where God keeps on showing out with abundant blessings far greater than we could’ve asked or imagined. That seems worth celebrating, so let’s get together and make this thing official with some covenantal love and dancing so hard it’s nearly aggressive. See you in November!