How do we describe who we really are?

My dear one, 

I have more time on my hands than I know what to do with here on this "vacation." It's too hot to do much outside, so I've been spending a lot of time reading, listening to sermons, helping my grandmother clean the house, and talking theology with my dad. And as is always the case when my schedule is lighter and my hands idle, I find my mind drifting off to wonder about you...

Two different friends have asked me recently if I have ever considered online dating. I've commented in a previous letter that I have some serious reservations about it. I know that much of the stigma is a thing of the past, but I guess I'm just too much of a traditionalist. I want our story to be more beautiful than that.

If you were a member of one of those online dating sites, how would your profile describe you? Certainly not the typical "laid-back, fun-loving, outgoing sports enthusiast who likes movies, basketball, and PlayStation 2." I try not to have expectations that are too high, but I like to imagine what you might be like. You must first and foremost be a strong Christian, with high standards and purity of lifestyle. Hopefully you have a job by now. And I'd want to make sure you don't spend money like it grows on trees. You'd better know a thing or two about music! Bonus points if you're an accomplished pianist. I'd imagine you well-read, articulate, selfless, creative, and hard-working. Do I have preferences about looks? Hmm... No extreme comb-over, please. Facial hair is okay, as long as it's well-kept (e.g., no "neck-beard"). And don't even consider biting your fingernails. I wish I knew what aftershave or cologne you wear. If I did, I'd buy a bottle just to imagine you!

I'm not sure what information I would include about myself. I don't know how much I would want random people knowing about me. (Can you tell I'm a rather private person?) But, my dear one, when you meet me you will quickly discover the following about me...

I am a sinner saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. I am an "old soul," a romantic, a minimalist, an introvert, a musician, a teacher. I know that I can be overly analytical, critical, and intense, but I am also sensitive, organized, feminine, and domestic. I don't go for the typical shallow pursuits of tanning, shoe shopping, and taking "selfies," preferring instead tea and books and museums. I don't like drawing attention to myself in public, which doesn't quite fit with my career. I enjoy serving others but then need to shut the door to the world at the end of the day for time to re-charge.

I don't drink alcohol. Not because there is something inherently evil in a glass of wine. Or because any church or mentor declares it immoral. Rather, because I am afraid of being mastered by it, because I do not want to be a stumbling-block to others, and because I don't know yet what your feelings are on the issue.

I don't have pierced ears. To my parents' generation, it was viewed as "unnecessarily worldly." And though I personally do not find anything wrong with it, and have even wished on occasion that I had earrings to wear, I have refrained from any piercings thus far. I've contented myself with the thought that if I ever meet a nice young man who wants to buy me something small and sparkly to adorn my ears, I will gladly endure ear-piercing for him.

If I'm not listening to music in my car (which I always am!), chances are that I'm tuned to NPR. But my political ideals run quite a bit to the right of such mainstream media. I perk up a bit when I read of men like Benjamin Carson and Rand Paul who actually have some decent ideas about how a country can survive.

I try to be frugal, I stick to a budget. I wasn't raised with a silver spoon in my mouth, so I'm rather content to live on the adequate "Christian worker" salary I have at the moment.

So, what do you think? Could I be your type? Could you be mine?

Your Evenstar