The Lord was solely responsible for bringing Matthew, a web developer for Stewart
Title, and Maria, a buyer for NASA, together. His mighty fingerprint is found
all over their story.
Our story begins 6 months prior to their meeting in May 2005. While Maria was considering herself to be a self-proclaimed spinster at the age of 24, Matthew was peaceful at taking the focus off not finding his lifemate. "Coincidentally", the two both attended the same Sunday school class at Second Baptist Church in Houston, Tx. The Increase.
How was it that these two never met, all the while attending the same socials and Sunday morning classes? Matthew submerged himself in freelance web development and was not investing his time into Increase. On the other hand, Maria submerged herself in developing friendships and networks with fellow Increasers. Two schedules in constant conflict.
In the Spring, Maria joined the leadership team by working the Info Table Sunday mornings for Increase. This would be a monumental decision that would set her path colliding with Matthew's. After having been dedicated to work, the 26 year old decided to attend one of his first socials after joining Increase. A day at the Baker's Ranch in Brenham, Tx. Maria, alongside all her friends, went as well. But alas! Even with the bucket full of people attending the social, the two did not meet or even notice one another. It wasn't until the next day at Sunday class did the two lock eyes. His sunburnt face accusing her erroneous mistakes at the Info table. How could he be so abrupt in his accusations? Who was this man, she thought. She answered his questions coolly and hoped to not converse with him again. Little did she know that he was joining the Info table team as well.
Ah, but God was at work in His little children!! They were going to be together, He would just have to provide another atmosphere for their collision. The College of Biblical Studies. Maria's friend asked her to take "Bible Study Methods" with a bunch of other Increasers. Unbeknownst to Maria, Matthew shared a friendship with the director of Increase, an attendee at the same college class as she. The Director invited Matthew to join him. As they entered the room, her eyes scanned over at him. Introductions were made, but neither one recognized the other nor were impressions made.
The two sat next to each other during the following week's class. She looked at him and noticed his beautiful, beaming smile that illuminated his face each time. His salt and pepper hair, disheveled from a hard day's work. His important beeper, later to be known email device, clipped to his belt. His houndstooth pants keenly paired with a pale blue, white cuffed and collared dress shirt. Very nice, she mused to herself. Instant flirting began, catching moments of eye contact through their veiled lashes. Smiling just for the sake of smiling. Yep. They knew there was an attraction. He saw how lively, funny, and personable she was with her other friends. Ah, but it ended in class, but not before she could ask him how tall he was. 6'0. Perfect. Just perfect. What an odd question, he wondered. He walked away wondering what his feelings were of her. He just knew this woman was different and stood out amongst all the other girls he had met before.
The next day, a mutual friend in the Bible class asked a bunch to meet for dinner at Taco Milagro-a hip outside Mexican eatery. Again, neither one knowing the other was invited. Matthew, not up for a social gathering, wanted to skip out, but felt the Lord tugging on his heart to go. So he finally strolled up as the group was enjoying the sights and sounds of city life and the live band. Shocking excitement scanned over Maria's face. She could hardly believe he was there! She didn't want to seem too interested. Although they got along, his attention was more drawn to the woman's best friend. They had much more in common off the bat. Maria wasn't jealous, just a pang disappointed. Oh well. Just friends.
That same Sunday, she wanted to foster the "just friends" motif by including Matthew in dinner and a movie with a couple of others. He would have to get her number. Was he going to ask or not? Finally, after a painfully slow walk to their cars, he asked for her number. Just for the movies, he said. As if wanting to make sure he wasn't pursuing her. Of course, inside, he knew he was attracted; but, he certainly couldn't reveal that to her. His eagerness was soon pressed as he couldn't even wait an hour to call her to confirm the movie time.
Matthew made a point to sit next to Maria during the movie, so they could share the little time they had and be close. During the movie, she, not wanting to reveal her feelings about him, directed her attention to another friend. He noticed this and secretly wished she would focus more laughter and eyes on him. His frustrations were evident, but what could she do? They both had to be covert about their feelings, for the sake of their hearts. She mustn't be interested, the confused Matthew thought. However, the paths were set and the two would soon experience a moment in time like never before minutes after the movie was over.
He dropped her off at her car, but not wanting to miss this opportunity to talk to him alone, she lingered as she grabbed for the door. The sky was stormy with thunder and lightening, just the right romantic setting. And what a perfect reason to stay inside the car. Finally, Maria asked Matthew a question. The question lead to a series of other discussions. Their likes, dislikes, passions and their walk with the Lord. Work, family, friends and ideas on dating. Everything was lightly touched upon. Hours went by and neither one lost interest in the other. Each felt a glimpse of lightening shock their heart. As they drove off after their long talk, both gave thanks and praise to the Lord.
What sweet music was playing in heaven!! What excitement for the Lord to "score" again!
A handful of socials, a willing desire to openly communicate and a confidence in knowing they were nothing short of God's great plan, sparked the entwining and becoming of one.
And as they say, the rest was history....