the proposal

Before we get started on the story, you should know a couple behind-the-scenes details that will help everything else make since. This past year Jonathan has been involved in a discipleship program at Pine Cove Christian Camp called, “The Forge.” Part of this program requires the students to create a covenant outlining what activities they will and will not participate in throughout the year. As a group the Forge decided not to watch movies or television, which led to a lot of conversational dates. Our first conversational date took us to Bryson Park, and after that we decided to go to every park in College Station (little did we know there were 50 total!). This is the account of park dates, #5-9…

The “date” started with special instructions for Allison to sit back, relax, and enjoy the afternoon of park-hopping. Bee Creek Park was the first park Jon took Allison. Jon explained that this park represented the past before they started dating. Upon arriving at the park, there was a round table covered in a white table cloth and decorated with rose petals and candles. It also had inter-camp mail letters, root beer, and almonds–all things that reminded the couple of different memories from their friendship. Allison was so nervous at the park that she could barely read a letter Jon had written her and definitely had a hard time drinking the root beer from the champagne glass he provided.

Allison was under the impression she would be getting engaged right there, but Jon surprised her and whisked her off to another park. Steeplechase Park represented the past since Jon and Allison started dating. On the table Jon had milk and Oreos with another gift. As Allison excitedly unwrapped it, she discovered her gift was two pairs of Depends diapers. Jon gave them to her as a visual reminder that she could always “depend” on him.

Lemontree Park was the third place the couple went. It represented the present. Jon and Allison started reading books together over Christmas break. He chose The Hobbit and she chose Redeeming Love. Jon’s Forge notes were also on the table and he pointed out where he had started to draw a time line thinking about when they could possibly get married. The gift Allison received at that table was a pair of hair cutting scissors since Jon ever so kindly let Allison learn to cut his hair the previous weekend.

By the time the couple reached the fourth part, Brothers Bend, Allison was pretty well aware of what was about to take place. This park represented the future. When they first walked into the park, the table, which had been beautifully decorated at the past three parks, had no rose petals or candles or a gift. Jon explained to Allison that the Lord had made the past beautiful but the future, though they have lots of hope, is still unwritten.

Jon reminded Allison of several verses that have been important to the couple over these past three months, including Isaiah 46:10, “Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish,” Romans 8:28, “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” and Isaiah 61:3, “…for the display of his splendor.”

With that Jon asked Allison to marry him. She said yes! They went back to her home, the Bonsai, to celebrate with her best friends and the Forge family. It was a beautiful day.

Ecclesiastes 3:11, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”