“How was service today, Sister Glory? I especially loved the sermon,” Brother Timothy said to me as we met outside the church auditorium. Thinking to myself I replied, “Service was amazing because you were there,” but as the big girl that I am, I replied, “I enjoyed the service; our choir is the best there is.” We both laughed, with him agreeing to what I said and adding a few other things he gained from the sermon. He walked me to the carpark, wished me a great week ahead, and went back to the church. I have known Brother Timothy for two years – on fire for God, kind, caring, loves the church of God, and of course very handsome. One Sunday, he took the word and I noticed I was smiling throughout the sermon; my heart started to flutter whenever he was close by, butterflies in my belly whenever he called (mostly for church matters). I quickly took it to God in prayers, maybe Brother Timothy was the one for me but the answer was no. I fasted more and prayed more; Brother Timothy seemed perfect to me but the answer remained no. But the butterflies did not die with the no, neither did my heart stop to flutter. Many Christians have been in Sister Glory’s shoes but many times, we fail to admit it. Here are some practical tips for moving on:
1. Talk to God about how you sincerely feel and ask for help to deal with your feelings (not shouting and speaking in tongues, a conversation).
2. Communication breeds affection: Narrow down the amount of time used in communicating, at least till the butterflies fly elsewhere.
3. Get busy: The likelihood of thinking about a love that didn’t happen or can’t happen is less likely when you are very occupied.
4. You are the master of your feelings: Your feelings do not control you, you control them. Do not ever forget that. As hard as it might be to reign in your feelings, it is very possible to do it. The next time the “happy ever after with him/her” thoughts come into your head, deliberately replace it with some other thought. You might not succeed on the first try but with time, you will. 5. God’s plans are the best plans: Whatever form of love you might be experiencing; unrequited love, “God said no” love, a breakup, a falling out, whatever it is, I want you to know that God has better in store for you. Having in mind that God is preparing better can help you move on. I hope this helps the butterflies fly elsewhere or at least rest for a while.
Anifowose Joy