Young Love (#54)

Posted on December 29, 2016 by Margaret

Both Nate’s parents and mine had taken up the charge to pull together a big wedding in just a few months. Nate’s mother called and invited me to come visit them when Nate returned from Army camp on July 25. I assured her I would.

We were confident God was leading us through each decision, and we knew everything would fall together on time. I hoped to move down to Champaign at the end of August to be near Nate as he went back to law school and was anxious to prepare a newlywed home for us in an apartment near the university. The fact that I didn’t have even one lead on a teaching job didn’t bother me. I was trusting that God would show us what to do.

July 9, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I wrote my folks about the rehearsal dinner and guest list. Please feel no hesitation in calling or writing mother. Don’t be reticent. She is very eager to know and be with her new daughter. Even visiting her overnight would be very nice and generous of you, if you want to make the 4 hour drive. You both could have a good girl talk.

July 9, 1969 – Dear Nate, my fabulous fiancé! You will never know how much all your letters mean to me. They have truly factored into the growth of our relationship. And now we have a written record of all of it! When I received your THREE letters today, I was alone in the apartment but found myself exclaiming aloud, “I love you! and “Oh, Nate!” I got really excited over the things you wrote. You’re an excellent writer, but on top of your words, the message they convey is even more wonderful! I always thank the Lord that He let us find each other.

July 9, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I get flashes of you in my mind like flashbacks in a movie – smiling, laughing. You’re on my mind constantly, and in a flash your beauty is even more striking and breathtaking. I appreciate you more every minute. In one month we can celebrate your birthday, then mine 10 days later. Just think – someday we’ll celebrate our babies’ birthdays! Cake and diaper-changing during the same party!

July 9, 1969 – Dear Nate. When you write that you are secure at last about my reciprocal love for you, this makes me heart rejoice! At last we are on an equal level of love and trust and candor with each other. I love you so much that sometimes I feel like bursting inside! I’m so thankful to the Lord for allowing me to experience this depth of love. By the way, I bought a new dress to wear to your friend’s wedding. It’s mint green brocade with tiny baby-blue accents. You’ll love it. And I love YOU!

July 10, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I need you, and you need me. Fulfilling each other’s needs is a complete 24-hour task requiring every thought, word, and deed. I love you so much! I hope I can always please you. I am glad we’re waiting until 29 November for sex. It will mean more that way, even in our spiritual and emotional senses.

July 11, 1969 – Dear Nate. You are kind and generous to remember my birthday and to do so with such enthusiasm! Wow! And when you commented about diapers and birthday cake at the same party, I about fell off my chair with that thrilling realization! You will make an excellent father, aware of the needs of others as you are, and will be especially good with your own wife and children. You’re responsible and stable, and I know I’m VERY lucky I get to marry you!

“Joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.” (Psalm 146:5)

Young Love (#53)

Posted on December 28, 2016 by Margaret

At last we were all agreed on November 29 as Nate’s and my wedding date – some more enthusiastically than others, but agreed. Planning shifted into high gear as Mom and I put our heads together over the details. But she wouldn’t go with me to look at china and silverware patterns. “That should be Nate,” she said. I know it bothered her that he was an absentee groom.

Both Mom and Dad frequently mentioned his absence during these important days, and it frustrated me, too. But leave it to Nate. As always, he knew just what to do. He wrote a powerful letter (quoted below) dated July 9, arriving in my parents’ mail on July 11:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Johnson,

Writing you at this time is both easy and difficult. It is easy because I have known you for two years and feel very much at home when I am with you, and because I am writing of Margaret, who we love. Yet it is difficult to discuss engagement in a letter. I want to talk personally with you before she and I go to camp.

Many times people ask an engaged couple how they know they are in love. My answer comes from a guide the Lord has given us in Scripture. In 1 Corinthians 13 He has set out through Paul the characteristics of love by which I examine myself. Love is patient, kind, hopeful and enduring; most of all it is forgiving. Love for Margaret is a spiritual gift with which the Lord has blessed me. Her virtues fill my eyes; I see past her few faults. And she has shown me so many times that my love is reciprocated. I know it is.

I am fortunate to have a fiancée with her virtues. Her faith with witness, prayer, Bible study and obedience to God are reassuring. Margaret’s humor, energy, beauty, education, intelligence, charm, creativity and love of children make me realize what a wonderful Christian woman she is. Her letters and visits during this Army camp prove to me her spiritual quality and goodness. Each minute of the day, but especially when we pray together, I want to share my life with her. Having accepted Christ in our hearts as ultimate, Margaret and I will have a marriage unified in Him. If Margaret’s parents were less understanding, I would worry about my absence at this time. However, she has written of your complete acceptance of my Army situation and our decision. I am thrilled and happy that the Lord has given us understanding parents.

With love and warmest regard,

Nate

Mom’s heart was won in the first paragraph when Nate wrote “of Margaret, who we love.” Something about that shared love bonded her to Nate in a way that “stuck” through all the years that followed. And Dad’s respect for this young man took a significant leap on that day.

“All that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.” (Romans 8:28, TLB)

Young Love (#52)

Posted on December 27, 2016 by Margaret

After Nate’s and my engagement weekend, well wishes began to come to us (like Mary’s note, right). It was frustrating to be going through those happy days without Nate next to me, but if we wanted to get married in November, this was our only choice. I forwarded every note or congratulatory card I received, and Nate did the same for me.

Aunt Joyce from California, my wise mentor, sent a loving letter and a gift: “Dear Margee. We want you to know how happy and thrilled we all are for you and Nate, and we know you have given prayerful consideration to your decision before the Lord. We’re anxious to meet him and already love him, because you do!” Her letter was accompanied by the red and white checked Betty Crocker cook book I still use 47 years later.

Meanwhile, Nate’s and my letters continued to fly back and forth.

July 7, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Thank you for your honesty in our discussion over the weekend about your old boyfriend. I am happy to the highest degree that you now realize the danger of being with him, whether to play tennis, eat a meal, or go to a movie. And I’m thrilled that you think of him less and less. I know it was hard for you to bring this up again and talk honestly about it. I love you more for doing it. And I completely trust you. I will love you forever!

July 7, 1969 – Dear Nate. To my wonderful fiancé! Mary and Bervin are really excited that we are engaged. When I showed them my ring, Mary ran for her camera and took a bunch of close up pictures. Bervin told me he was thrilled you asked him to stand up for you in the wedding. Tommy was really surprised that his sister had gotten engaged, and when he saw the ring, he spit out his cookie. And Aunt Agnes? Well, she begged to try it on, so I let her. Everyone wishes you were with me so they could congratulate you too…. and so do I!

July 7, 1969 – Dearest Meg. I’m looking forward to our time together at the Moody camp, sharing experiences. And I also want to talk deeply with your parents at some point. I know it seems wrong to them that I’m not there with you now. Do you think I ought to write them a letter? I would really love to.

July 8, 1969 – Dear Nate. If you follow through on a letter to my parents, it would help them better understand your required absence during these days. And they would love you more easily after that. Mom is coming around nicely, getting more enthusiastic. When I told her we were talking about names for our children, that helped. She has always loved kids, the more the better.

July 8, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Time is flying by. Due to torrential rains this morning, no PT test today. Free time in the PX cafeteria instead. This Saturday we have Vietnamese orientation until 8 PM. The next two weeks we’ll be mainly in the field on war games and tactical exercises. And soon it’ll be 25 July and graduation when I’ll be with you again. I’m going to work on that letter to your parents as soon as I get the chance.

July 8, 1969 – Dear Nate. I have an appointment to see wedding gowns at Marshall Fields in a few days. I’m going to have to work fast to get everything done by November. And that means choosing invitations, thank you notes, china, silverware, and linens without you at my side. I’ll just have to hope your tastes are similar to mine.

July 8, 1969 – Dearest Meg. Let’s engrave our initials and the wedding date inside our wedding bands: MAJ to WNN – 11-29-69, and WNN to MAJ – 11-29-69. Then we can each add a special verse or can use the same one. We’ll talk about this when you come. How about Matthew 19:6? “They are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”

“My God will supply every need of yours.” (Philippians 4:19)