When we lived in Florida, we were sometimes surprised at how quickly American Christians could tie the knot. American culture really differs from Dutch culture in this respect, and also dating time looks really different in America than in the Netherlands. The courtship period in the Netherlands can easily last a few years and in many cases varies from pleasantly casual to intentional. But if you choose to date in Christian America, in many cases it is very intentional. Perhaps that is also the reason that dating sometimes only lasts six months before getting engaged and married, even for young people. And yet I see a deep heart connection in many of these American couples that apparently can also arise in a short time.
Even in normal relationships it is sometimes a mystery to me how this happens. That direct heart connection that can sometimes exist with someone I meet. You see each other for the first time and you immediately know: this is good. We encountered friends in different countries in this way, but now also in Aruba. Friends isn’t even the right word. Actually, I have no words for such a relationship. It feels deep and loving, as if you have known each other for years, even though that is not the case at all. When you think about it, it’s quite bizarre that this is possible.
However, I did notice something. Every time this happens to us, God is working on a beautiful part of His plan; we have to provide a training, or something must be organized at very short notice. We have no idea how to shape this in the short term. But God arranges it perfectly every time and brings the right people with the same heart attitude into our path. Sometimes it is only for a short time, but often for longer. I think it’s beautiful and I enjoy it very much, but I don’t understand it at all. Incomparable how He does that, that God of ours. A complete mystery.