Be engaged.
Holly and I had been exploring the beauty of Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida. We stood about 324 feet above sea level. It is one of the highest points of land measured in Florida. The scenery is very tranquil. Overlooking the land in our view, one tends to stand a little taller, yet nestle into the earth a bit more as well. You will want to just lie back in the grass and soak it all in. So…that is exactly what I did.
We were about to leave when I noticed a young lady, hiding behind a large oak tree, holding a camera with a massive zoom lense. Our eyes met, I motioned to my wedding ring finger, and mouthed “Is someone getting engaged?” She informed us “Yes, at three o’clock.” Holly and I looked at the time and noticed we had ten more minutes until this joyous occasion.
Hello! All things wedding related are right up my ally, and Holly said that she had never witnessed someone get engaged. The decision was easy…we found a nearby bench and joined in on the wait and special event.
The photographer needed Holly’s assistance in locating the couple and notifying the camera-ready-girl when the couple were walking her way. Holly walked casually around the singing bell tower, and I would communicate with the photographer Holly’s texts. Y’all! This was fun!
The anticipation was building. The soon-to-be-engaged couple rounded the corner, and the girl had to stop and gaze and take photos of the beautifully extricated tower. The guy had a precious nervous smile about him as he would look towards the photographer while his almost-fiancé was looking in the opposite direction.
They walked towards the overlook area, just passed the hiding photographer, and then it happened. He stopped his sweet girl, got down on one knee, it felt like a forever speech as the girlfriend covered her mouth in surprise, then you could see her give him her hand, he slipped the ring, and she nodded yes. The now gathered crowd applauded and cheered as they embraced one another.
Of course Holly and I stealthily captured the moment on our camera phones as well. After the photographer and couple united and hugged, we joined in and offered our amateur videos to them and engaged in a brief conversation. Much like my man and I, this couple were high school sweethearts. They dated for six years, and now are engaged. The ring was beautifully delicate. You knew that the now bride-to-be was awaiting this occasion, because she told us that she’s had a Pinterest account for a while.
Observing this engagement with intent, and speaking with the giddy couple afterwards made me think about how we all need to be engaged.
Over the past couple of years of our world in solidarity/fear/brokenness/whatever state of loneliness people found themselves in, we need to be more engaged.
How?
- Be intentional in conversation with others.
- Look people in the eyes when speaking with them to show that you are truly listening.
- Show others that you care about them.
- Encourage others’ strengths.
- Spend quality time with others.
What can you add to this list?
Above all, set yourself apart as a model of a life nobly lived. With dignity, demonstrate integrity in all that you teach. Bring a clear, wholesome message that cannot be condemned, and then your critics will be embarrassed, with nothing bad to say about us. Titus 2:7-8 TPT
Be engaged.
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
