one of the 'themes' of my trip to Uganda

Let me just say that a first blog post is ridiculously intimidating. I have resisted and procrastinated for a very long time now, but I have finally come to the conclusion that I have to start somewhere. Regarding my inspiration and justification for starting this blog, as well as my hopes and vision for its future, those will come... um, later...

As for now, I will start simply enough. Since love and relationships of all kinds will be among the major themes addressed in this blog, I figured I would begin with sharing something that was shared with me by one of the friends I made this summer in Uganda. The ideas expressed were somewhat of a reoccurring theme throughout the trip, for me as well as many of my teammates. It's funny how God works, isn't it...

God's Plan For Relationships:

Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone--to have a deep soul relationship with another--to be loved, thoroughly and exclusively. But God, to a Christian, says, "No, not until you are satisfied, fulfilled, content with being loved by me alone, discovering that only in me is your satisfaction to be found, will you be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with anyone until you are united with me--exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires or longings."

"I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow me to give you the most thrilling plan existing--one that you cannot imagine. I want you to have the best. Please allow me to bring it to you. You just keep watching me, expecting the greatest things. Keep experiencing the satisfaction that I am. Keep listening to and learning all the things I tell you. Just wait, that's all. Don't be anxious, don't worry. Don't look around at all the things you want. Just keep looking off and away to me, or you'll miss what I have to show you."

"And when you're ready, I'll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than you would ever dream. You see, until you are ready, and until the person I have for you is ready, (I am working even at this moment to have both of you ready at the same time), until you are both satisfied exclusively with me and the life I have prepared for you, you won't be able to experience that love that exemplifies your relationship with me and is thus the perfect love."

"And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love. I want you to be in the flesh a picture of your relationship with me, and to enjoy materially and concretely the everlasting union of beauty, perfection, and love that I offer you with myself. Know that I love you utterly; believe it, and be satisfied."