the proposal

It all began on a hot Saturday morning in Michigan. We were staying at Steve's family's cottage on Lake Michigan with a group of our friends. While Sara, Karla and I went to Meijer for some grub, John and Steve scoped out the beach for the perfect spot to watch the sunset. Steve hid the ring at the bottom of the steps in some beach grass. Little did I know the 14 times I walked up and down those steps throughout the day that my destiny hid there within the grassy depths.

We hung out on the beach all day and grilled out for dinner. The table was set out on the deck and we ate while watching the beautiful sunset. I remember saying something like, "this is perfect. The sun is beautiful and we are eating great home cooked grub, spending time with great people, how much better could it get?" Again, I had no idea what was about to happen! After we finished eating, Steve asked if I would go watch the sunset with him on the beach. Um... yeah! So he grabbed his bible and we made our way to the bottom of the steps. We sat down to enjoy the sunset but much to our chagrin Steve didn't cut quite enough of the trees back to actually see the sun. Regardless, we still enjoyed what we could see. He asked me what I would like to read out of the Bible and I had no opinion.

Let me back up for a second. On the drive to Michigan we played Bible Challenge, our $3 garage sale special. One of the questions was about Onesimus, a man mentioned in the book of Philemon. We all agreed that we didn't know enough about this obscure one page book in the Bible. So when I told him I had no opinion about what to read he suggested.... you guessed it....Philemon. Random.... I know.

Anyway, we both took turns reading the verses and then he sat the Bible down. I wanted to go for a walk to look for places to take pictures. He initially said okay, but then hesitated when I started to get up. He wrapped his arms around me, held me close and told me that he wanted to sit there for a few more minutes. I didn't know that there was a ring in the grass just to our left and Steve couldn't grab it without me seeing and ruining his plan.

Meanwhile, our clueless friends were being obnoxiously loud still sitting on the deck above. Steve screamed politely, SHUT UP!!! A few minutes passed as we talked about the day and the upcoming week. Then Steve said, "I want to read something else to you." I still had no idea! He began to read Proverbs 31: 10-31 which says...

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life....She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."

About halfway through he started crying and I knew that he was getting ready to propose! I was freaking out. After reading, he stood up and I said, " this isn't happening," and he got down on one knee and said, "yes it is, will you marry me?" Of course I said, "YES!" We prayed and cried, then ran up the steps to share the news with our friends. Then we spent half the night calling and texting our friends and family! That's the story of the greatest sunset we never saw!