Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Holding Out

There was a phone call, a plane flight, and a reunion. Sitting across from each other we laughed and talked the hours away. So much had happened in three years. Then came a moment his words became serious and even mysterious. He reached into his pocket to answer my silent suspicions. The reflection of the firelight flickered on the gold band he held between his fingers. It had been his mother’s. The moment was right out of a movie script. This was my chance to be center stage and play the part I’ve always dreamed—Loved. The look on his face was priceless, as was mine. Something told me not to accept and hold out for something more. I had no words for him—no words his heart hoped to hear. Sorrow came upon his face. And the gold band hastily put away.

The drive to the airport was quiet. The pending good-bye scene loomed over us. I thought about my friend. He had taken a risk--a huge one at that. He traveled across the globe to declare a pledge of love with hopes of bringing me to his homeland.

I could not ignore the fact I too had taken a risk. I said no. What if he was the one? What if I just let the last good one get away? What if there isn’t something more? What if God breaks His promise? What if?

As these thoughts entered my mind they left just as quickly. An unexplainable peace consumed all my what-if’s. Something, Someone told me it was going to be okay. I hoped and prayed my friend would feel the same. That day he flew home alone to Christchurch, New Zealand. And I stayed home in California—and waited for God to be faithful to His promise. As each day passed a beautiful quietness swept over my heart. I felt the Lord’s delight in me because I honored His plea to hold out for something more.

Just a few short weeks later I bumped into an exuberant, blue-eyed German—at church. He had rosy cheeks, an injured knee and he seemed to enjoy his own jokes—and well, I did too. He was different from other guys—and nothing at all like me. And strangely, I was okay with it. I’m not sure at what point I noticed. But his eyes would twinkle when he talked to me. It was as if the Lord spotlighted this twinkle to catch my attention and say—he is your something more.

Seventeen years later I can look back and say that yes, that, exuberant, blue-eyed German added more to my life. He has challenged me through my fears and believed in me when I didn’t. Without him I would still be a timid woman longing to make a difference in the world, yet never daring to. I am loved, yes, and I am changed. Who knew one man would have such an impact on my life? God knew. He knew something more would be just around the corner.

What is the something more God has promised you?


Laura Krämer is a speaker, writer, and designer of The Psalm 23 Bracelet. She lives happily in Southern California with her 2 sons and German husband of 14 years.


Reflective Scripture

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Those who honor me I will honor. 1 Samuel 2:30

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11


14 comments:

  1. So often I see young women settling, and then there's the brave ones who hold out for something more! He's not the God of enough, He's the God of more than enough and He wants to bless us with more than enough! We say Yes and Amen to the Father's "something more." Thank you for your bravery!

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  2. Love your story Laura and haven't heard it before. How sweet and loving to hear your story with Gerhard. God is so good!

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  3. What a beautiful story. I, too, have said no because you just feel that it's not right. That God does have something better planned for you. And although I haven't found "the one" yet, I am very blessed with what God has given me. Thanks for sharing your beautiful story.

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  4. Laura, Thank you for Holding Out.

    Gerhard Kramer

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  5. So sweet! Sometimes we forget about our something "mores"!!!

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  6. This is why we need to listen to God's still small voice. Sometimes our own voice demands to be heard...then we get less. I'm so glad you held out too! :) Michele

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  7. Love your thoughts everyone! Thanks for sharing!
    @Gerhard Your Welcome :)

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  8. Thanks for sharing Laura. I love your writing style.

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  9. God knows exactly who we need and who they need. Your story warmed my heart. Beautiful writing!

    Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

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  10. Something about this story caught me... I wasn't expecting the ring--and then I saw "Christchurch, New Zealand" and my heart dropped.
    Knowing that there would be a good chance, had you said "yes", that I might not have never known you. And you have had impact on me that only God could have ordained…
    God works in the strangest of ways. I have no idea if your life was spared in that silent moment of deflated dreams - but considering it give me goose bumps.
    Thank you for your story... and making me realize that God is soooo involved, we'll never even understand the depth.

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  11. So beautiful! I love your storytelling from the heart writing ability. Oh, how I would love for you to submit something to our Rooted Living magazine... check it out at www.takerootpublishing.com and look for rooted living submissions. Sherry is our feature story for March!!! We are very excited.

    Lindy

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  12. Beautiful Laura! Simply Beautiful!
    Thanks for sharing your German husband with us. :)
    and remember yours is more German than mine. LOL!
    HUGS!!!

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  13. Tears are falling, I am just so happy you picked the one God had picked for you. Thank you, dear friend, for your beautiful reminder the Lord has ALL of our cares, our future, in His very knowing hands. Praise the Lord!

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  14. Well done for holding out and not heading anywhere near Christchurch :/

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