Once again I find myself apologizing for the lack of posts. Though, it seems a lot of you have also followed suit because of your busy summer schedules. I figured I should do something for this poor xanga that is so often left alone. The thing is, I update my life via my journal, xanga, facebook, wordpress, and actually conversations...it gets kind of repetitive and overwhelming. Nonetheless...
My ring came in about a week or more ago. I handed it over to Mike, which made me realize that this could start happening at any time. At any given moment he could get down on one knee with that ring. Absolute insanity. This is part of the reason I wish I didn't know the time period in which this was coming. Haha. My mom casually started asking about colors, friends have apparently been referring to us as fiancees, and (unbelievably enough!) mention of grandkids has popped up. All this brought about the moment when something else hit me.
This union of two people, it really is "you and me and all of the people". Pardon my lame Lifehouse quote. These friends, family members, and loved ones (sometimes mixed with prying strangers) are intricately involved, emotionally invested, and impressively sincere. It's that community, that communion. It reminds me of the Church and I love it. That was a bit random, but pretty relevant.
Next thought: What could this early-age engagement do to these well-meaning people? My most immediate concern is those younger than me who look up to me. My youth minister has suggested some negative possible outcomes. My engagement could create a false reality for them. They might start to think that this is "normal" or "common" and thus might (purposely or accidentally) believe any evil-intentioned high school boy who makes false promises of forever. Another dilemma. A lot of girls struggle with self image and seeing this engagament might make them feel worse about themselves, even though they are all uniquely beautiful. They might think that they'll never find that and think they are "abnormal" for not having such a commitment at their age. Basically, there are two extremes that are of the most concern. Any thoughts as to how to...help with this?
Also, for anyone who wants to keep up with my NET prep and such, I've started a wordpress which you can comment on without having an account (ah, the beauty). http://caitlynmaksymiak.wordpress.com
Comments (1)
The fantastic irony of all of this, is that as I was reading it, there was an advertisement for engagement rings on the side of the page...
8D
You're right...it could happen any time now...