Love at First Sight

November 15, 2023

I invite you to the upcoming Daily Reflections series on "Love at First Sight."

I was twenty-four, and my friends Tommy and Suzan Armstrong had arranged a blind date with one of Suzan's good friends. It was to be a double date with Tommy and Suzan on a Sunday afternoon. My blind date was a college senior at the time, and we met her at her parents' home.

I had been on several blind dates before and none had gone anywhere, so I was not thrilled to go on another wild goose chase, but I went anyway.

We drove up to the family's house, and my date came to the front door and spoke to me directly; she said, "Hello, Joe; y'all come on in." She held the screen door while we passed through into the living room.

Entering the doorway, I was stunned. My heart was racing. I'd never seen such a lovely girl. She was the one I'd always dreamed of, right there before my eyes! This was when I became a believer in "love at first sight." How do I know it was love at first sight? Because that love has lasted and grown for nearly forty-nine years.

I have thought about that day ever since and am still amazed. I immediately knew that the blind date was to be my life partner. How was this possible? Something within our soul knows what it needs beyond that thing's visual appearance. It concerns presence, unseen vibrations and souls who "recognize" each other.

If this is true, there are many loves at first sight: that best friend, that puppy, kitten, horse or another animal. Then there is that special teacher or mentor and many other loves.

But we don't fall in love only with people. Think of all the places and things that we immediately fall in love with, like that special retreat where we study and think, that interesting subject that captivates us to this day, that amazing view, that intriguing city, that work of art, that incredible music, that physical activity or that fantastic dance. Then there is that particular community of kindred spirits that, once we feel its love, we are in love with it.

The soul is on the lookout for what it needs for its journey. And when it encounters it for the first time, a stirring within our hearts takes our breath away.

Inquiry: Has your breath been taken away lately?

Dear God,

I give you thanks and praise for all my loves at first sight and for what they stir in my soul. Amen.

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