A few evenings over the past couple of weeks I have spent some time looking for new and interesting blogs to read online. I stumbled upon some that have literally brought me to tears and others that have given me a lot to think about. I tend to find what people have to say very interesting (I've always loved to read). It can be so very personal and yet most are willing to share with anyone who cares to read it.
I have become especially fond of reading tidbits from one of my favorite authors, Don Miller. Over the past 6 years or so I have read most, if not all, of his published books...even read some of them a couple of times. But it wasn't until recently that I discovered his blog/website. I assumed he, like most authors, had a website where you could find info on his next speaking engagement or list of books he's written. What I found was something so much more direct and personal. And I really appreciate that because I've always found his books to be very relatable, at least to me and my life anyway.
As I was scrolling through some of his previous posts I came across one about a list his fiancee had once put together of all the things she was looking for in a man. So of course I had to read it. People always talk about these magical lists, but before that I'm not sure I'd ever seen anyone's personal list. And as much as I like to think I keep a running list in my head, I had never actually taken the time to put it on paper. But after reading through his post and her list I felt like it was something I really needed to do. Sounds pretty silly right?
The more I thought about it, the more I realized that there's nothing wrong with having a list of qualities you think a man should possess. I hope that a man would also find it ok to have this same type of list for a woman. To put it in Don Miller's words, "What is great about creating a list like this is it gives a single person a filter through which to weed out candidates that don’t fit." Amen. Needless to say I started a list. Largely based off what his fiancee had written for herself...I found that we had a lot of similarities in what we were both looking for, and it was a great place to start. Scary as it is, I am putting it out there for everyone to see. Maybe it will help people understand why I have never been one to simply date someone for the sake of going on dates. Some call it picky, I call it taking my time. Without further ado...
The List:
I want someone who…
- loves God with his whole heart
- loves his family (and mine)
- wants to talk to me every day, 30 times a day if that’s what he/I need
- can’t wait to see me again
- is always thinking about me
- surprises me, in good ways from the little to the big
- plans dates for me
- follows through on what he says he’s going to do
- is consistent in his actions and behavior
- doesn’t disappear
- reassures me of his feelings for me with his actions and words
- wants the whole world to know how he feels about me, isn’t afraid to show it or say it
- puts me first, after God
- is not afraid of my sensitivities, scars and brokenness but wants to be a part of healing them
- always makes time for me no matter what else is going on
- pursues me
- isn’t afraid to challenge me
- makes me laugh and can find joy in the simple things
Simple enough right? Sure...28 years in and still waiting for God to reveal that person to me. But I know he will be worth every second of the wait! And with that...I leave you for the night. I hope that you know you deserve someone that meets all of the criteria on your list!
