I haven't written much from, or even with, the bottom of my heart before.  However, need has definitely arisen to warrant language that can only come from that distinct, but not distant, location.  In a word: courtship.  The fact that I am not at this present moment singing with joy at the top of my lungs from the rooftops is proof that some composure still resides within my frame.  And "why?" you ask.  "What could possibly necessitate such utterly foreign designs as those which you mention?"  In a word: courtship.  "Well, yes one sees the point, and the word, to be blunt.  But why this fanciful vociferation of singings and gallivanting about the rooftops?"  In a word: courtship.  "There he goes again, using that word to sum up his reason for abandoning all sense of proper decorum and propriety.  What does he mean by it?"  In a name: Katy.

Courtship is a friendship where both parties know that the end goal is such a deep friendship, that in order to be properly appreciated as God intended, it should be had with one person only.  Having stated the above, courting is not that friendship but a means to reach that friendship, as God blesses and prospers the way.  Courtship involves accountability, honesty, respect, honor, fear and copious amounts of patience.  A courtship is not unlike a flower that must be watered properly.  Too much water and the plant rots, not enough and the flower withers.  Each courtship must proceed at an appropriate pace--and yes, as different vegetation requires different treatment, so various courtships progress at separate paces.

My heart rejoices at the opportunity that lies before me in the God-granted approval I have to court Katy.  Both her parents and mine have prayed and counseled and it is with their open permission and blessing that I proceed.  No doubt much counsel will be needed along the way, and I welcome it gladly.  Godly councilors are a wise man's friend, and while I do not pretend to be wise, I do crave the advice of godly teachers, personified for me predominantly in my parents and also in Katy's.  In my current position, I'm so overjoyed that I can't express it adequately in word or song.  To be sure, there is also more than a hint of fear and trepidation at the joyous task I'm undertaking.  Actions have consequences--now more than ever.

Keeping all this in mind, a courtship with but one participant is not courtship.  My actions would have little meaning aside from the fact that in my courting Katy, Katy is courting me.  The virtues she, as a godly lady, exemplifies include the ability to be gracious and patient with me as I learn what it means to court, while courting in the midst of my learning.  Her friendship has been a gift I was unworthy to receive.  How God could have seen fit to so bless me is beyond my ability to grasp.  I pray He takes all the glory and majesty to Himself from the relationship He has given us. Amen.