Once upon a time, there lived a little girl in the country.  From her earliest memories, she worked out in the fields with her Mama and Daddy and all of her family. When she would grow tired, she would curl up on her Mama’s or Daddy’s cotton sack. They would continue to work, picking the cotton and pulling her and that large cotton sack along the rows. They would make pallets for the younger babies under the cotton wagon. Sometimes, her job would be to watch after them. When they took a nap, she could too.

She was never alone; her family always surrounded her. But, she had a special “Friend,”  (“ …….and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother” Proverbs 18:24b)  who promised her that He would continually be there.

….….. for he hath said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5b)

There was nothing that she could not talk to Him about. All that concerned her little heart was important to Him. He assured her that she could trust Him with anything.

“Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares about everything concerning you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

When she looked at her beautiful sisters, she felt quite inferior. She definitely did not feel that pretty with her auburn colored hair, freckled face, and blue eyes. If anything she could be called a “smudgekin” because she seemed to have dirt smeared on her face, arms, legs, and clothes most of the time.  But, her “Friend” had a way of talking to her that made her see that He saw something more than she was able to see. Somehow, He saw a little princess in there.

If He saw a little princess inside of her, then, one day there would be a future “prince” in her life. Her next thing to talk with Him about was “what kind of prince did she want when she grew up?” As she looked around at other princes, she noticed certain things missing in their lives.

So, the first thing that she asked her “Friend” was,  “Would You please choose the “prince” that You want me to have?  Next, will you give him a heart that will love You and his family in that order; and let him not drink, smoke, or curse, either. May he also be a hard worker, taking care of his family.”

Throughout all the years, she has realized that her “Friend” has fulfilled her request far above anything that she could ask or think.

“Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Years have come and gone; this little girl grew up and became a “princess” in the heart of her “prince.” She and her prince have shared many wonderful times together with their family. Over the years, she has watched her prince’s love for her “Friend” and their family continue to grow in depth and devotion. She has never seen him smoke or drink; and only heard him say one curse word. And work, bless the Lord, he loves to work.

They have now shared 51 years together with each other and with their special “Friend,” who is always so faithful to fulfill their hearts dreams and prayers.  As she looks back, one of the most important things she ever did was to talk to her “Friend” and ask for His help in finding the prince of His choice for her.

Happy Valentines to all you, “Dear Hearts,”

Tricia Cook

P.S. From the first time my prince and I heard the song “From this Moment” by Shania Twain, we felt it was definitely our song. My prince loves music but, he doesn’t usually sing. This song has always been his exception; he immediately starts to sing it to me, as I sing it back to him. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do.