My friend Phil and I were talking about many things tonight, one of which was dating non-Christians. He said something interesting. He said that he wouldn’t not date a non-Christian because there would be possible arguments, but because her love would not be a sacrifice to Christ, it would be more selfish, and he wants Christ to be the absolute center of each relationship. Which got me thinking, why would I not want to date a non-Christian? Why have I chosen not to date the few opportunities before me? What is it that I look for as essential?

I think understanding. I remember driving in John’s truck about a year after we broke up and I was in awe of how beautiful life was, and he just sat there, no comment, no agreement, no acknowledgement of God’s creation and the beauty immersing us moment by moment. It was like biting into a lovely piece of bruschetta and having the other person eat a stale saltine cracker. How can you describe how wonderful it truly is? And so I have learned that I could not date someone who didn’t understand my passion for Christ and God’s creation.

I guess that is all I really want – someone who understands my passions. CJ and I went out to dinner together last night and about five minutes after we walked in, he asked me if I had already evaluated the design. I smiled and was thankful that he appreciates that aspect of my character. I don’t need someone who understands my art or design, just someone who appreciates it. I don’t need someone who understands every bit of my music, just someone who appreciates it, and me. I need someone who appreciates me. Don’t we all?