As the days passed, Nate’s and my separation seemed to be taking a greater toll on us – although the old adage that absence makes the heart grow fonder was definitely true. Despite the distance and no way to talk on the phone, we were passionate about our love for each other and couldn’t wait to be together.
But God has a knack for using difficult experiences to produce spiritual fruit, and that was certainly happening with Nate.
July 10, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I want you to know I’ve been thinking about my priorities. Christ comes first, then Meg and our family, and last, myself. Christ is everything to me, and this Army camp impresses this more firmly than any sermon I’ve heard. Experience is Christ’s best advocate, and tutor for prayer. The wonder of prayer – peace of mind through a personal relationship with Christ.
July 10, 1969 – Dear Nate. I went home tonight to see if I could help Mom do some packing before next month’s move. Instead of packing she was hosting a gigantic party for the entire neighborhood (50 people), and at the last minute, Dad had had to leave for an emergency meeting. Tommy, Mary, and Bervin all had other commitments, so she had no help. But she wanted to be a strong witness for Christ before moving away. I arrived just before the guests, and she was grateful. Then I stayed, watching Mom pass out Bibles to each family. She stood up and told them about her love for the Lord and his role in her daily life. They might have expected hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, but they got strawberry shortcake and religion instead. She was, by the way, very happy to grab my hand and show off my engagement ring to all her guests.
July 10, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I wish I was there to help you with all the wedding planning, but I will be soon! Prayer has been a comfort in coping with our separation. I’m anxious to try conversational prayer with you. Our regular prayer times mean so much. Every time I pray, I thank God for our engagement, and each time I mention that, I get a warm feeling of certainty that the Lord wants us to be married (and probably have 4 kidlets – Karen Meg, Brown Bear, Kenneth Hamilton, and Fort Riley Nyman).
July 10, 1969 – Dear Nate. What do you think of our family photo? And on a more serious note, what do you think about having a couple of my X-kindergarteners in our wedding? We need a flower girl and a ring bearer, and I love the idea of having children in the ceremony. My only reservation is that there may be jealousy if word gets around that I’ve chosen some and not others. What do you think?
July 11, 1969 – Dearest Meg. We spent all morning (4:00 AM to 1:00 PM) on the daylight map course – using prominent terrain features and pace-counting to locate our points. The exercise was graded; my partner and I found all our points, so we did well. Tonight from 6:00 to midnight we have the night map course using a lensatic compass. But I am thinking of you constantly. I thank the Lord there are only 14 training days left, 9 days in the field. But the days go quickly with thoughts of you.
“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
