Never too Late for Love

Never too Late for Love 

Several years ago, I worked for a mortgage company.  The phone rang; it was my turn to answer it.  “Thank you for calling Chitwood Mortgage,” I said in my most cheerful, smiling voice.  A very masculine voice replied: “Thank you for answering.”  His voice got my attention immediately.  I straightened up and began taking down information to start the loan process.  For some silly reason, I didn’t understand, his voice gave me a slight shiver.

When I hung up the phone, I told my co-workers I had just taken the coolest application.  Then, I Informed them that I might marry the man.  Everyone thought that was funny and we all had a good laugh.   The loan progressed in the usual manner; I had the good fortune to be the person who always collected necessary documents from the applicant.  

I began to think about Walt (that was his name), and reached the decision to call him and ask him out.  I was in my middle sixties, and asking a man out was not in keeping with my southern upbringing.  I told the girls I worked with about my plan and was informed that calling him was a conflict of interest.  Oops, no problem, I would have to wait until we closed the loan.  

So, I waited!  The loan was closed and I made the phone call.  We went to dinner on Friday evening.  We had a lovely meal and chatted until the waitress was tired of refilling our glasses.  He took me home, walked me to the door, and said he would be in touch.  All the next two weeks, I waited for a phone call, but none came.   I was confused!  Did I just imagine that we had a good time and got on well with each other?   

I’m sorry to say that I actually chased this man until he caught me.  I went shopping at the new pharmacy, where he was manager,   When I walked in, he saw me and came over to say hello.  I asked him if he could help me find a few things and handed him my list.  He read the items out loud:  lotion, toothpaste, 

body wash, and WALTER.  He looked down at me: “WALTER?” He said with the cutest grin.  I looked at him, smiled and saucily replied:  “What can I say you are on my list.”  After that day we became an item, but the best was yet to come. 

A few months later, he invited me to go with him to a Christmas toy drive for kids.  Each person was to bring a toy.  He told me not to pick up one, as he had already purchased one for me.  When we arrived at the drop off for the toys, he opened his trunk and it was bursting at the seams with toys.  I fell madly in love at that moment.  We were married three months later, and we have been blessed with our “Happy ever after” for twelve years now.   

Published:   VVV Magazine February 2020

Interrview

 CHRISTIAN POETS AND WRITERS  Interview with Christian poet and creative writer Nellie Leverette Wasilewski, by: Mary Harwell Sayler, Founder

Nellie, first I want to congratulate you on having poetry published recently in such fine literary e-zines as Haiku Journal, The Barefoot Review, Three Line Poetry, Poetry Quarterly, and 50 Haikus – super!
Now I know you started writing as a child in Marshall County, TN, but tell us when you realized you wanted to be a writer.
I really don't know the answer to that question. I think I spoke poetry before I could write it. I had a vivid imagination as a child and almost anything could turn into a story, a poem, or a play. I used to perform for my family and make up the play as I went. I think it has always been there, a special blessing from God.
Definitely! Does the Bible affect your writing projects and/or your writing life?
The Bible is mostly poetry and beautiful to read. I have to constantly rely on scripture to guide me in my writing. Jeremiah 29:11 is a guiding light for me. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I try not to be apprehensive or anxious about my writing, and this particular scripture keeps me on track. I believe that whatever the Lord's plans are will be revealed to me in God’s time.
Good thoughts for Christian poets and writers to hear too! Thanks. What other suggestions would you like to offer?
Don't stop writing! Try to write about the things you love. After you write a piece, put it out of sight for a while, and then go back and read it aloud, edit, and revise. (I believe I heard that from you.) Pray before you start a new work, pray while you are writing it, and pray when you finish it. Turn it over to the Lord while you search for publishers and trust that it will end up in the right place, whether it is with a publisher or simply someone who will profit from your writing.
Excellent attitude! What else encourages you to keep writing?
Upon retirement, my boss ask me what I planned to do with all that free time, and I told her I planned to write and maybe try to get some of my work published. It was a fleeting thought, not something I actually planned on too much. I am a firm believer that God sends us the right person at the right time to tell us what we need to hear. Mary, you were that person for me. When I said I didn't think so, you believed that I could. I joined the Christian Poets and Writers group on Facebook and began to feel more comfortable with the literary world. Also, I am a huge fan of God’s canvas, and I love nature. There is nothing more beautiful than a natural waterfall.
The beauties and rhythms of nature often inspire me too, but I keep wondering how we can bring this into the church. In what ways do you think our writings can help to strengthen the church Body of Christ?
Recently, I was in the hospital family waiting room and overheard a lady on the phone crying and in much distress. We prayed together and as the morning stretched into early evening, I read her one of my poems. She told me it was exactly what she needed to hear, and it made her feel better. You never know what simple thing, such as a poem, may touch someone. That is the second time recently I have had that happen. If only a few people can find peace in my poetry or devotionals, then I am doing what I am supposed to do.
What a wonderful way to make a difference and bring healing one-on-one, Nellie! Hmmm, come to think of it, that's also how Jesus approached people - as individuals. What do you hope your writing will accomplish in general?
Make people happy, or in some small way, give them peace, hope, and encouragement. My goal is to bring people closer to Jesus Christ by writing about everyday things with which they can identify. When I worked with the public, I answered the phone with a smile, and it reflected in my voice. I try to write with a smile in my devotionals and hope that smile reflects in my work. The main thing is to edify the Lord in word and in deed.
You certainly do that, Nellie! Thank you for helping us to do that too. God bless.
© 2014 Mary Harwell Sayler, interviewer
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Posted by Mary Harwell Sayler at 12:26 PM 

In His Light