I was born and raised Catholic. I went to catechism, made my first holy communion, was confirmed. My favorite mass was Midnight Mass at Christmas time. As a young adult I went to that mass. At communion time I sat in my seat and cry when communion was served. I hadn’t been to confession and so wasn’t allowed to go before the alter of God and except what He was offering to me.
When I got into high school I stopped going to church. During college I got mixed up with the wrong types of people and got involved in drugs and all that comes with it. My lifestyle was self-serving, serving the flesh, serving myself.
I got to a place where I was finished with men, they all want just one thing, no one really cares about me. I laid in my bed one night and I said, “God, if you are real, let me meet one man who is good, who is kind. He doesn’t ever have to be mine, but if he is please let him be tall, dark and handsome.”
In time I met a wonderful man who was a basketball player at a local college. We dated a few times, had lots of fun, no sex, no suggestive language, just enjoyed each other’s company.
One of the girls I worked with always asked me to come over to her house and met her brother. I always said no, but one Friday night I said OKAY, and told her this will be the last time, don’t ask again. I went and met him, he was very kind, very polite, and he WAS tall, dark and handsome. Our time together got to be more and more; our affections grew. One day we were sitting in his front yard, and he asked me if I knew Jesus. I told Joe, “Jesus doesn’t want me. I am not a rule follower, He didn’t create me to be a rule follower, so I don’t’ think He wants me.” Joe shared the gospel with me, and it was so different then I was taught as a child and teen. This God that Joe was talking about was reachable, He loves me, He died for me, and HE WANTS ME!!!! Joe told me I was the worthiest person sitting in Midnight Mass because I knew how sinful I was, how unworthy I was.
That was 44 years ago. God has never disappointed me; He has given me blessings upon blessings. I am so grateful for that day, it what is now our front yard. God met me in this man’s front yard. introduced by the man who would become my husband.
God answered that prayer of mine, that silly, ridiculous prayer. He was listening, and He showed up.