Our Love Story Jill and Scott have known each other for a long time—longer than either of them realized at the time. Both grew up in Wheatfield, with their paths crossing long before they knew just how much they’d come to mean to each other. They even attended the same elementary school, St. John Lutheran, though Scott was one grade behind Jill (and yes, he loves to remind her that she’s a whole month older than him). From there, their paths continued to overlap: they went to the same high school and grew up in the same small town, though they never really connected beyond casual hellos. After high school, Jill moved to New York City to pursue her law degree and career, spending 13 years navigating the hustle and bustle of the city and surrounding New Jersey. Meanwhile, Scott stayed in Wheatfield, building his life, business, and roots there. But God had a funny way of bringing them back together: showing them His plan, not theirs. A few years ago, as Jill was in the midst of buying her first home, she reached out to her brother for a recommendation on a “good painter.” He gave her Scott’s contact information, and she didn’t think much of it—just a contractor to help with a fresh coat of paint. But when Jill texted Scott Hefferon Painting, he didn’t just offer a quote. He struck up a conversation, much to her surprise. As Scott would say, Jill wasn’t the best texter—after all, she just needed a house painted, right? A few weeks later, Jill’s brother was hosting a Bills watch party (Bills vs. Kansas City, if you’re keeping track!) and, as it happened, Scott and Jill had both planned to say “hi” there. But after the game ended, and people started filtering out, Jill shot him a text, “Are you here?” His response? “I’ve been here the whole time.” Jill guessed it took her a minute to catch up! They chatted for hours that evening, and from that moment forward, they didn’t stop talking. What started as a simple “hello” at a Bills party turned into something much more. Life had a funny way of bringing them back to where they started, and after all those years apart, it turned out that together was exactly where they were meant to be. ******* I have found the one whom my soul loves. | Song of Solomon 3:4