Newlywed Games by Mary Davis Page B

draped it around his neck.
    “Whatever it is that’s eating you.”
    Sometimes Kurt’s insightfulness was downright irritating. “How do you know if a woman is the right one for you?”
    “Nothing simple with you, is there, Bruce?”
    Life could be complicated and complex. He wanted to make the right decisions now that he was a Christian. Before becoming one two years ago, he had made so many wrong choices in his personal life. He didn’t want to make those mistakes again. Picking up his gym bag,he held open the door for Kurt. Once outside the court, they took a seat on a bench, both straddling it, facing one another.
    “I didn’t even know you were dating anyone, Bruce.”
    “I’m not…not really.” Where did he start to explain this situation? “It’s complicated…very complicated.”
    “Anyone I know?”
    “I doubt it.”
    “You meet her at work?” He raised his eyebrows in interest.
    “What does
that
have to do with anything?”
    “Nothing.” He shrugged a shoulder. “Just curious. Are you going to ask her out?”
    Though they had been out together, technically he hadn’t asked her out since the Christmas party; even then he didn’t really ask her. “I’ve been spending a lot more time with her recently.” Now
that
was an understatement.
    Kurt gave a knowing nod, but what was it he knew? “People have varying opinions on finding a spouse, someone to spend the rest of your life with,” he began. “Some people think that God has put many choices out before each of us, and we are to choose the one we like best, so to speak. But if you choose someone outside this pool, you could find yourself regretting it.”
    “Outside? How do you know if someone is outside this choice group?”
    “Anyone who is not a believer is definitely outside the group. But when it comes to your choices among those who share your belief in Christ…well, you justhave to pray about it.” He paused then went on. “I know some folks believe that there is only one right person for each of us, and if we don’t marry that one person, we are forever outside the will of God. And some believe God can bless you no matter who you marry.”
    So far this wasn’t helping much. “And you, what do you believe?”
    Kurt drew in a long breath, seemingly reluctant. Bruce knew his friend well enough to figure he didn’t want to force his opinion on Bruce, that he wanted to let him make up his own mind. But that was the problem. Bruce just wasn’t sure. He met Kurt’s gaze. “I’d really like to know, Kurt.”
    He nodded. “I look at it this way. God is not bound by time. He already knows who you are going to marry, if you marry at all.”
    Bruce was surprised that it should hit him so odd, the thought of not marrying Meg. He had never really thought of marrying her, at least not yet. But the idea of not marrying her was…what? Well, suffice it to say he didn’t like it. Not one bit.
    “If you are praying and reading your Bible regularly, you are more likely to be receptive to God’s promptings. If you continue to have feelings or leadings about this person, then take action and see if you still feel the same way or if you feel like you have just made a big mistake by asking her out.”
    Take action? He almost laughed out loud. He’d certainly done that, though he doubted it was what Kurt had in mind.
    “How do I know if these are leadings or just my own desires?”
    “Maybe God has put those desires in your heart.”
    “What if you choose not to follow these leadings and go a different way?”
    “If you’re seeking to be obedient, if you’re submitting your own will to God’s in prayer, I don’t think that will happen.” He paused. “This woman must be special to have prompted you to ask.”
    “It’s just a feeling I have. Which confuses me because I thought we weren’t supposed to go by our feelings.”
    “Test them against the Word of God. If they stand up, maybe it’s not a feeling as much as a