What are you waiting for?

When I was 29, I arranged a meeting with then US Senate Chaplain Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie seeking relationship advice. My girlfriend and I had been dating six months and we were crossing physical intimacy boundaries. I met with Dr. Ogilvie expecting some tips and techniques about boundaries. What I got instead after I confessed our struggles was this:

"How long have you and Beth been dating?"

"Six months."

"Son, that's plenty long enough for you to know whether or not you want to marry her. You need to fish or cut bait."

Until that point, marriage had not even entered my mind. Now, years later, I can think of multiple reasons why but I think mainly it was because I enjoyed the benefits of marriage without marriage. In my dating relationship, I experienced companionship, support, and emotional and physical intimacy.

After my meeting with Dr. Ogilvie, I broke up with Beth and began thinking more intently about marriage. I also asked my pastor and friends about the things I should consider when deciding who to marry. One month later, I asked Beth out for dinner so that I could propose to her later that evening. She said yes.

A happy ending to be sure but not without regrets. We will both tell you that we still suffer the consequences of our sexual sin. Oh how I wish we would have articles of instruction like these before we began our relationship:

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001196.cfm

http://www.boundless.org/2005/articles/a0001193.cfm