I had suspected this book would give an even better introduction to courtship. I was not disappointed! It does a very good job of explaining the idea of courtship. The story is great too.
Sarah McLean is 19 when the book begins. We see her interact with someone who is interested in dating her and see how she handles explaining to him that she believes in courtship instead of dating. As in Jeff McLean: His Courtship, we see a situation that doesn't lead to courtship and how it is handled. The story follows Sarah as she struggles with her own person growth, trusting God's timing and honesty in the life of a christian. When a courtship finally starts for Sarah, there is honest, realistic conversation between her and the young man who courts her. They talk about spiritual leadership in the home, having children, their own personal strengths and weaknesses. They attempt to think through a marriage relationship, not get caught up in a ceremony the way many so often do.
I think what is best about this series, is just like in this story, many of us know this is what we want for our children, but do not have families we know who have "gone before us", examples for us and for our children. Therefore, it is hard to imagine what the process might look like. These fictional stories do that for me.
I would not "PICK" my children's spouses for them. What I want is for them not to think of "trying out" relationships with every person who interests them, but really praying and seeking the will of God in the person they will marry some day. (Despite my own mistakes in this area, I know God was preparing my husband for me all along. I remember the time in my life that I began to pray for him, years before we met). I also want them not to make this decision based purely on emotion, though attraction and love do play a part. Instead, to be honest about themselves and a prospective spouse, their compatibility to marry and most importantly that person's relationship with the Lord and seek Godly advice! Lastly, to not allow themselves to be in compromising situations with someone they are not married to that they will regret later on.
This series of books gives me hope. That God can be glorified as our children wait for the spouses God might have planned for them. That they do not have to make the mistakes so many others make and regret. That the whole process that leads to marriage can be beautiful!
