Over two decades ago, I met a man that would change my life forever. During that time, I was a very industrious and busy event planner helping different organizations and people with their events and fundraisers. One of the projects I was involved with was putting together a celebrity basketball game for a client who wanted to help raise funds and awareness for a school in Pasadena. Truth be told, I didn’t know all the pieces that were involved with putting together such an event, but I had people who were willing to help me and introduce me to people who could help me further. That is when I met a man that not only helped me but would become one of the best friends I would ever have.
When we met, we lived in different states, were married and had different lives. Although there was an attraction it was not something we could pursue. We both went on with our lives crossing paths from time to time, but each time our lives would intersect something else was happening that would prevent us from coming together. We were pulled towards each other while at the same time running in opposite directions. Those that know both of us would often ask why aren’t the two of you together? Our response was always life just keeps getting in the way. Miles, marriages and mistakes kept us apart.
In March 2019, a mutual friend of ours passed away causing our paths to cross once again. This time when we connected, we were both at different places in our lives. I had gone through a divorce. I felt like a failure and that I just could not get this marriage thing right. My friend was also single. Over the next several months we began to talk and share what we wanted out of life and we realized it included giving our love and friendship a try. We discussed how would we do this still living in different states and how would we make sure we did it right. It was finally our time.
We made a conscious effort to spend time together, talk, and put God first in the relationship. We kept the world at bay so that we could really focus on keeping the main thing the main thing…which was working on the relationship and seeing if this was of God. When we were introduced, the person, who introduced us would often say that we were the male and female version of each other, and she was correct. People often say opposites attract, but we say equals attract. When we are really ready, I believe we open ourselves up to the possibilities of what we not only want, but what we need. We wanted to do this right and have God’s favor. Afterall, if we were ever going to get married it would be the last time around for both of us…no matter what!
A lady I met in church many years ago, who was like a mother to me, was not only my prayer partner, but she also prayed for me. She would say, God is going to save the best for last for you Wendy. I have nothing negative to say about my past relationships, there were definitely lessons I learned along the way, but I truly believe God has been kind, merciful and gracious in giving me one more chance at love with who I believe is my soulmate and the love of my life. By the way, he put a ring on it on Christmas Eve. As we kick off a new year and a new decade, I share my story to encourage someone who may need to hear this, never give up on love no matter how many mistakes you may make or how long it may take. I hope in my transparency someone will know God hears our prayers and knows our hearts.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is an international coach, consultant, trainer, author and speaker.
