As she stepped out of the hotel lobby and onto the busy Manhattan sidewalk, she could sense the electricity in the air. The boulevards were jammed with people and cars, not unlike the streets that she’d grown up with in Calcutta (or Kolkata as it is known in India). But to her the atmosphere was totally different. Despite the affluent appearance of her hometown, she viewed it as a monument to a bygone era; an oasis of civility in a largely third world culture.
*
New York City seemed different to her; modern and progressive. America was not some third world country; it was the nation of the great middle class, where average people expected the next generation to progress beyond the current one.
*
As she walked along the crowded avenue the possibilities seemed endless, as exotic smells filled her nostrils, unfamiliar sounds rang in her ears, and inviting scenes seemed to unfold at every turn. She found it intoxicating, as she spent hours strolling through shops, galleries and plazas; simply taking in the ambience of the city.
*
Every once in a while, a wave of sadness would wash over her as she remembered that the Travel Visa, which allowed her to be in this country, would soon expire; and that she would have to return home. This trip had been a graduation gift from her parents, and she was due to start Medical School in a few weeks. But this is where she wanted to be, and the thought of going back was excruciating to her. She quickly pushed these thoughts and feelings aside, as to not waste the precious time that remained.
*
As she passed through the doorway of the exclusive restaurant, she saw Michael waiting for her. When he saw her, his face broke into a broad smile. Failing to conceal his excitement, he quickly made his way to her. He helped her with her coat and they were soon seated at a little table by the window, which overlooked Times Square. She had met Michael a few days after arriving in New York, and he had persistently pursued spending time with her ever since. He was a successful business man, in his mid-thirties, and he seemed very eager for them to cultivate a relationship.
*
While she had every reason to be attracted to Michael, his earnest manner made her somewhat uncomfortable. She loved the places that he’d taken her, and enjoyed the attention that he lavished upon her, but she couldn’t seem to get herself excited about the relationship that he seemed to long for. As they waited to order their food, Michael stared at her intently; totally enthralled by her dark eyes and almond colored skin. Yet, she seemed oblivious, as she stared out the window, apparently mesmerized by the bustle of the cityscape.
*
After their food was ordered, Michael’s face grew serious. He told her that he understood that her time in America would soon be over, and of how sad he was at the thought that they might never see each other again. Though his grief seemed to rest more on the latter thought, hers rested firmly on the former. His face brightened some as he explained that it didn’t need to be that way. Reaching into his pocket, Michael produced a small felt covered box, pushing it across the table to her. A wave of trepidation swept over her as she realized what was happening.
*
His face was glowing with love as he said, “You could stay here and be my Bride”?
*
Her head spun at the sound of his words. She knew that her feelings for him were not nearly as strong as his were for her. Truthfully, she didn’t really know him very well; though she had to admit to herself that her desire to know him better wasn’t that strong. On the other hand, agreeing to this proposal would mean that she could remain in this place, which she’d come to view as a sort of paradise. The thought of returning to the oppressive atmosphere of her homeland was overwhelming to her. The thought of becoming a naturalized citizen in this country was like a dream come true. This was her chance for the life that she yearned for; how could she even consider saying no.
*
As she opened the felt box, she saw the spectacular diamond ring that he’d picked out for her. He pulled the ring from the holder and taking her hand, he gently slipped it onto her finger. It fit perfectly and flashes of light erupted from it with every movement; she found herself captivated by it.
*
“Do you like it?” he asked.
*
“Oh yes!” she replied, without looking at him.
*
When she was finally able to pull her eyes from the ring, she looked into Michael’s face. She could see that he was stricken in anticipation of her answer.
*
She finally whispered, “How could I say no?”
*
Michael made no attempt to conceal his delight, and people from other tables began to look at them. She was embarrassed, but he was unashamed to share his joyful report with anyone who would listen. As Michael ordered Champaign for everyone in the restaurant, and continued in excited conversation with those around him, she stared out the window at her new home, and smiled.
*
_______________________________________________
*
This story is derived from a vision, which was received during a time of prayer. While I’ve added some detail to make the scene more accessible, the vision itself told the same story.
*
At the end of the vision I felt like the Lord said, “This is a picture of my Bride. She yearns to live in my Kingdom, she yearns for the things that this marriage will afford her, she yearns for the treasures of my store houses, but she doesn’t necessarily yearn for Me.”
*
While the Lord intends for His Kingdom to be inviting and to be lavish with His children, I believe His heart yearns for a Bride who will love Him for who He is. I pray that we would become such a Bride.
*
From the book, “Along the King’s Highway” by Bryan J. Corbin
Published in 2008 (ISBN 978-1-4363-6965-7)
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