For Better or Worse, For Taller or Shorter

by Joan Sikes

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

--- Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Early in my teens, as all girls of my era did, I had compiled a list of attributes I wanted in a husband. On this tally were all the fine qualities a human could possess ¾ honesty, integrity, kindness, thoughtfulness, and, of course, a Christian. On the physical side of the roster, among other things ¾ tall.

I think I knew no man could fit all those fine attributes, but when John came into my life, he did! Except the one physical characteristic I was fully expecting ¾ tall.

At the same time, I never dreamed there was another woman with similar expectations. John and I met away from our hometowns, and we traveled to Kansas so he could meet my parents. But we didn’t have time to go to New Mexico to meet his, so it was the day before our April wedding when I finally met them.

The day came. John picked me up at my place, and we headed toward his apartment where his parents were staying. My heart pounded and my hands trembled as we neared the door. John smiled his reassurance, and we entered. A man rose from his chair and strode toward us, a big smile on his face. John introduced me, and my anxieties drifted away like leaves on the wind.

He said, “I want you to meet John’s mother.” He turned, and called, “Oly.”

A small woman emerged from the bedroom. She walked to his side, and he took her hand while he introduced us. Her smile was shy, but warm.

John’s father grinned while looking down into his wife’s upturned face. He said, “See Oly? She’s not taller than John.”

John’s mother’s purpose and the Lord’s were the same. My purpose and the Lord’s were not. But both plans worked out just fine.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”

Romans 8:28 (NIV)