Matthew Luke Dryden Jr.

Matthew Luke Dryden Jr.

Matthew was a perfect height, right at six feet. His hair was a rich brown, and his eyes were a unique blue-green color. He worked out ever so often to maintain good shape, and always kept a nice haircut. He was clean when not working hard, and the aroma of his cologne (or deodorant body spray) was never too strong. His attire consisted of dress shirts, casual button-up shirts, and some T-Shirts for his relaxing days. His pattern was usually stripes, or plain, with occasional plaids. He usually wore jeans, and only slacks for formal events or meetings with his job.

Matthew always kept good grades all throughout school and was quite successful. He was intelligent mostly in math and art, but also in subjects such as English and Science. He was socially gifted, making a lot of friends and many acquaintances. He usually kept a smile on his face, despite if he were happy or frustrated. He never let others see his real emotion inside.

In order to not be so distracted, Matthew never entered into deep relationships with people. His friends would usually tease him about not having a girlfriend, but he avoided the topics as much as possible, or answered with a simple, “I don’t need one right now.” He never allowed it to get to his head, even when he felt lonely.

Matthew wasn’t too close to God in high school. At age 17 he fell away from Him. He grew up in a family that believed and attended church every Sunday, but he felt so distant, that God wasn’t listening to him. He eventually felt that his prayers were not being answered, and calling on God became pointless. When he turned 18, God began tugging at his heart and calling Matthew to Him. After a year, there came the day when Matthew finally fell on his knees and gave his whole life to God again. It was then that God began working in his life.

As he entered his second year in college, he saw more blessings. He became more socially bright with people, passing smiles and paying attention to his work at the same time. Matthew studied to be an architect, sketching blueprints and designing homes. He found himself liking putting things together, and working with shapes.

As for the small things, Matthew liked nature, especially the mountains. He liked being able to get away from buildings and city life, and enjoy God’s creation, where it was more peaceful. On his spare time, he practiced guitar and piano. He had quite the talent in music, including singing. He didn’t read sheet music, but rather memorized the songs.

Somewhere deep down inside, Matthew did long to be with someone. Although he had never experienced it in real life, he wondered. An ache in his heart wondering who exactly God would make that would compliment his qualities and personality. Although the passion burned deep within him, he never did try fulfilling it with someone, and when anything got close in a friendship, he began pushing away. As he grew older throughout college, he remained to himself, praying that whoever did come would be from God. He had to be completed by God alone first.

He wanted more than just an attraction from someone, but rather a relationship and bondage. Two minds to think alike; a helper, a best friend. Someone that remained patient with him; someone that would never give up when he became distant or moody. Someone he could laugh with at anything, and spend hours with while never getting tired of each other. And although this want was so hidden in his heart, it was there. Whether he would recognize the feelings or not, he knew that God would know exactly who he needed. Someone different to work perfectly with him.

It wasn’t until the day he met Stephanie when his world became completely changed—especially his heart.