True Love Stays Ready and Waiting
A True Story Submitted by Kristy Smith

I have always loved this story—and the fact that it’s true makes it even more thrilling! I don’t know the original source. My dad gave it as a sermon illustration, and he had found it in an uncopyrighted book. –Kristy

During the second World War, there was a young man named George who had to leave his young bride-to-be, Mary, behind while he went to fight for his nation. Before he left, he told her, "I’ll come back one day, and I want you to be ready for me."

Months passed, and the two corresponded by letters. But one day, George’s letters stopped coming; then came the dreadful telegram from the military that he was missing in action. The news devastated Mary, but she chose to believe that he was still alive and would come home to her.

As more time wore on, even Mary’s family lost hope of the young man’s return. But Mary believed.
One lonely evening, feeling sad and discouraged, Mary went up to her bed-room and went through the old love letters that George had sent her. Then she got out his picture and thought of the plans they had made before he left.

Suddenly, on impulse, she went over to the closet where her wedding dress hung carefully preserved till the day she would become George’s bride. With tears, she realized that day might never come. "Even if I may never be George’s bride, at least I am going to try on my wedding gown," she told herself. Silently she slipped into the silky satin and imagined herself at George’s side.

While Mary was up in her room, her mother had busied herself with the housework downstairs. The woman heard a knock on the front door and was surprised to find a handsome young soldier in uniform standing on their front porch.

"George!" Mary’s mother stuttered. "We thought that you were dead!"

"Where’s Mary?" George wanted to know.

The woman told him that Mary was up in her room and quickly invited him in. The young man swiftly climbed the stairs to Mary’s room and poked his head inside. Mary, with her back turned to him, didn’t see or hear him enter.

Seeing his lovely Mary dressed in her wedding gown, he grinned and quietly walked over to her. "Mary," he said, placing an arm around her, "when I asked you to be ready for me when I came back, I didn’t expect to find you this ready!"

~~~

From Kristy: How ready will Jesus find us when He returns for His bride? Will we be looking and living for His coming? Or will we have quite forgotten Him and become preoccupied with the affairs of this world?

I am reminded of the rebuke given to the Church in Laodecia in Revelation 2:4--"I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love." Have we left our first Love, the Lord Jesus Christ? Has our love grown cold and stale? The cry of our heart should be, "Lord renew my love for You! Don’t let it die out; help me to always be as one in love with her Savior!"

Mary had not given up the hope of her love’s return, even though those closest to her had given in to doubting. What a greater reason we have to continue to watch and be ready for our Groom’s coming! When He returns, may Jesus find us ready!

-Kristy L. Smith

Kristy, age 18, publishes Chosen Generation, a bimonthly newsletter for young people who are willing to be different, and to make a difference for Christ. It covers topics such as missions, prayer, courtship vs. dating, finding God’s will for your life, and much more! The issues feature poems, humorous stories or riddles, letters to and from the editor, and encouraging articles! The suggested donation for one year’s subscription is $5. To receive more information, contact Kristy at: esmith@fnbnet.net