At last we were all agreed on November 29 as Nate’s and my wedding date – some more enthusiastically than others, but agreed. Planning shifted into high gear as Mom and I put our heads together over the details. But she wouldn’t go with me to look at china and silverware patterns. “That should be Nate,” she said. I know it bothered her that he was an absentee groom.

Both Mom and Dad frequently mentioned his absence during these important days, and it frustrated me, too. But leave it to Nate. As always, he knew just what to do. He wrote a powerful letter (quoted below) dated July 9, arriving in my parents’ mail on July 11:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Johnson,

Writing you at this time is both easy and difficult. It is easy because I have known you for two years and feel very much at home when I am with you, and because I am writing of Margaret, who we love. Yet it is difficult to discuss engagement in a letter. I want to talk personally with you before she and I go to camp.

Many times people ask an engaged couple how they know they are in love. My answer comes from a guide the Lord has given us in Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 13 He has set out through Paul the characteristics of love by which I examine myself. Love is patient, kind, hopeful and enduring; most of all it is forgiving. Love for Margaret is a spiritual gift with which the Lord has blessed me. Her virtues fill my eyes; I see past her few faults. And she has shown me so many times that my love is reciprocated. I know it is.

I am fortunate to have a fiancée with her virtues. Her faith with witness, prayer, Bible study and obedience to God are reassuring. Margaret’s humor, energy, beauty, education, intelligence, charm, creativity and love of children make me realize what a wonderful Christian woman she is. Her letters and visits during this Army camp prove to me her spiritual quality and goodness. Each minute of the day, but especially when we pray together, I want to share my life with her. Having accepted Christ in our hearts as ultimate, Margaret and I will have a marriage unified in Him. If Margaret’s parents were less understanding, I would worry about my absence at this time. However, she has written of your complete acceptance of my Army situation and our decision. I am thrilled and happy that the Lord has given us understanding parents.

With love and warmest regard,

Nate

Mom’s heart was won in the first paragraph when Nate wrote “of Margaret, who we love.” Something about that shared love bonded her to Nate in a way that “stuck” through all the years that followed. And Dad’s respect for this young man took a significant leap on that day.

“All that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.” (Romans 8:28, TLB)