Paul,

Just think back, would you have been receptive to the message and experience of Islam if you had not been so mature spiritually, and already having the love of God in your heart?

I think God leads us (I'm also a revert) on the straight path to Himself by gentle degrees, according to what we are capable of. So, we grew up as Christians, that is where we developed spiritually, until the time came when we were ready for the great blessing of Islam. Alhamdulillah.