No. A trip down memory lane? Yes.

Just over 20 years ago I went on a much anticipated date with a nice young Christian man to the opera - The Barber of Seville. I thought I was "in love" and acted like a giddy school girl. I really didn't notice the opera too much. The young man and I were close friends, but he never thought of me as more than a friend. That memory is bittersweet for me in that it was a growing time in my life and a fun time, too.

Just last night my husband of nearly 15 years took me to see (ironically enough!) The Marriage of Figaro, the sequel to The Barber of Seville! Of course, I made comparisons between the two dates. I have to admit the difference was dramatic!

I didn't have the same awe of the venue that I did when I was younger. I have been to many theaters over the years and have seen some beautiful buildings. The one in Bloomington is impressive, and I enjoyed it, but it didn't seem as dramatic as the one I had gone to all those years ago at a community college (it couldn't have been as remarkable as I remember, could it?)

As I mentioned, I hardly paid attention to the opera before. Now I noticed the beautiful sets, magnificent singing, and the themes of the story. It was, however, awfully long! (3 hours!)

Finally, the most important part, my date. I really did like the young man I mentioned earlier and there was hope at the time that he might like me. However, it was never to be! Thank the Lord! God truly does guide our steps. The man I went to the theater with last night dropped me off at the door, held my hand throughout the program, and told me how much he loved me and enjoyed spending time with me. When we left we talked about the show and I let him know how much nicer this date was than the one all those years ago.

I realized last night (as I have many times before) that I made the right choice when I chose my husband. I thank God for him. I want to encourage all the single women out there that there is someone special for you if you wait, pray, and believe. It seemed like forever to me to finally find someone, but it was just the right timing and just the right match.

I don't want to leave the impression that we have a perfect marriage - Believe me, we have had our struggles, but we always work things out by going back to the starting point - God.

God bless you and thanks for taking a trip down memory lane with me!