March, 2000. It was the second day of my training at the International Mission Board's training center for overseas workers (they keep changing the name, so I don't know what they call it now). We looked across the crowded room. Our eyes met. (Shall I continue or just get sappier by the minute?)
Actually I did meet my Blushing Bride on the second day of that training. I was headed for a career in Ukraine, and she a two-year term in Egypt. Our friendship blossomed over the next five weeks, and then we went our various ways. Apparently, there was a plan that meant more than overseas service. I had written a love song a few years before--not for anyone in particular, but back in the day when I was a melancholy romantic and wrote love songs (not very good ones, but they suited me). Then I met HER. Then my heart went bump (day-do-ron-ron?).
Anyway, after we decided to get married, I realized that I'd already written a song for this precious woman--a song that was written even before we met. So, Happy Birthday, my Love. Here's your song:
Love at a Second Glance
Benjamin Potter (1982)
I don’t believe in love at
first sight
But I know that your smile
caught my eye.
It’s not just the way that it
glows upon your face
But the way you let it linger
in your eyes.
Lady, pretty lady
You make me happy when you
smile.
Tell me if I hurt you
And I’ll stay with you the
while
That you are crying
I don’t want to make you sad,
Then I’ll feel bad.
I thought I’d make the
promise
That I would give you
everything.
There’s nothing that I’d like
better
Than giving you the moon.
I’d like to see it sparkle
And glimmer in your eyes
But just as soon as I gave it
to you,
You know, the sun would rise.
And Lady, pretty lady
You make me happy when you
smile.
Tell me if I hurt you
And I’ll stay with you the
while
That you are crying
I just want to be the friend
Of such a pretty lady.
I can’t make no more promises
I won’t make no more demands.
I realize that you can do
Only what you can
And I made all of my promises
So very long ago
That right now pretty Lady
I just want you to know
That I still don’t believe in
love at first sight
But I know that your smile
caught my eye.
So just give me a chance on
love at a second glance
And I know, pretty Lady, that
I’ll try.