The More Important Things
SA21 - How to Find a Potential Marriage Mate

Lisset was a talented seamstress, known for her exquisite garments and warm-hearted nature. She had a comfortable life with a thriving business and many close friends. However, despite her accomplishments and the love she received from those around her, Lisset felt a deep void. She longed for a mate, believing that a husband would complete her life and bring her the happiness she craved.

Lisset became increasingly focused on finding a husband. She spent her free time visiting halls, attending social gatherings, consulting with friends, and engaging in long conversations about potential admirers.

Lisset's deep longing for marriage began to become apparent in her work, subtly steering her creative energies toward the symbols of love and commitment she yearned for. Gradually, she transformed her eclectic shop, which once showcased a diverse range of clothing, into a specialized bridal boutique. The once-vibrant space, filled with colorful fabrics and unique garments, now took on a more elegant and refined aesthetic. Delicate lace veils, satin gowns, and intricate beaded accessories adorned the displays. Her shop became a haven for brides-to-be, a place where dreams of wedding days could be crafted into reality.

As she immersed herself in creating exquisite wedding garments, Lisset found comfort in being surrounded by the symbols of love, marriage, and togetherness. She meticulously crafted each dress, infusing her work with the romantic ideals she cherished. The shop soon became known not just for its beautiful dresses but also for its atmosphere, which exuded the joy and excitement of impending nuptials. Though she was still single, Lisset felt a connection to the love stories of the brides who walked through her doors. She thrived on helping bring to life, through her creations, a truly Cinderella experience for all involved. Her bridal shop became a place of celebration and hope, mirroring her own deep-seated desires.

As time passed, Lisset's obsession grew. She devoted less time to the guests in her shop and more time to her quest for a mate. Her friends noticed the change and tried to advise her, saying, "Lisset, you have so much already. Don't let this one desire consume you and overshadow the happiness you have." Her once lively and inviting shop started to lose its charm as Lisset became preoccupied with her search. The dresses she created no longer had the same passion and attention to detail, and her clients began to notice the decline in her work.

But Lisset was determined. She believed that finding a husband was the key to her ultimate happiness. She ignored the subtle signs of trouble—the declining quality of her work, the decrease in customers, and the strain in her relationships. She convinced herself that the lapse was only a minor funk and that once she got married, everything would fall into place.

One evening, after another disappointing encounter, Lisset sat alone. The quiet was deafening, broken only by the soft hum of steam slowly escaping from the iron. She looked around and saw her once-vibrant space now dull and neglected. The walls, which had been filled with the laughter and happiness of hopeful brides, now felt cold and empty. A sense of guilt washed over her as she realized how far she had drifted from her true passions and the joy they brought her.

In that moment of reflection, Lisset remembered advice she once heard, although she didn’t recall from where: "When looking for something of value, do not allow your search to consume you. Always make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not stumble others." The comment was taken from a verse from Philippians 1:10, reminding her that true happiness depends not on what one has, but on their relationship with God and their ability to give and serve.

Lisset realized she had allowed her desire for a mate to overshadow all the blessings she already had. She had been so focused on the future that she had neglected the present. She bowed her head in prayer to Jehovah, asking for guidance and the strength to realign her priorities.

In the days and weeks that followed, Lisset made a conscious effort to rebuild what she had lost. She returned to her shop with renewed passion, creating beautiful dresses with the care and love that had once made her so well-known. She reached out to her friends, seeking their forgiveness and rebuilding their connections. She also devoted more time to spiritual pursuits, finding peace and contentment in her relationship with Jehovah.

Though Lisset still desired to get married, she no longer allowed this longing to dominate her life. She found joy in the present and focused on the more important things. Her shop flourished once again, and her heart felt lighter. She had learned that true happiness wasn't found in chasing what she didn't have but in appreciating and nurturing the blessings she already enjoyed.

Lisset realized that true happiness and satisfaction could be found regardless of one's marital status. She embraced the joy of serving Jehovah and focused on deepening her spiritual pursuits. The love and fulfillment she experienced through her faith and service brought her a sense of peace that transcended her longing for marriage. Lisset understood that while her desire for a husband remained, she could still live a fulfilling life by dedicating herself to her spiritual growth and helping others.

She cherished her time as a single woman, recognizing it as an opportunity to fully devote herself to her relationship with Jehovah and the good work she could do. Lisset knew that, compared to the eternity she would spend with a spouse in Paradise, the time spent now being single was relatively short. She treasured this period and made the most of it, finding contentment in her service and the love she shared with her community. In doing so, she uncovered a deeper sense of happiness and satisfaction, knowing that her ultimate fulfillment lay in her taking care of the more important things and not with trying to satisfy desires and longings she could do little about.

Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)

 

Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

11 comments

Thank you for this week’s story. I really enjoyed it. It’s so easy to become consumed by what we want and not focus or even appreciate what we have. Taking that 1st step can also be intimidating. I loved the point from the Awake in one of the footnotes. “Opening your heart to someone who may not feel the same way is a delicate, risky matter. It is like taking your heart and putting it in someone else’s hands. Will he handle it tenderly or drop it on the ground?” Something to ponder on. I’m definitely looking forward to the follow up article.

Leazle

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