I’m in one of those moods. For all of the excitement and traveling I’ve been doing and the experiences I’ve had over the last couple of years, I wouldn’t change a thing. But every once in a while I get in a funk and get to wondering like so many, “When’s it gonna happen? When am I going to meet someone?”
It seems like that, above all other areas, is the one young people struggle with the most. And rightly so. God said in Genesis, “It is not good for man to be alone.” We are wired for relationship. In fact that’s why God made us in the first place. To live in relationship with Him.Our desire to love and be loved is absolutely God given. The problem is it’s a strong desire. It has a tendency to overtake us and for some people, drive their every thought and action. Don’t believe me? Just take a stroll through a Christian college campus or visit a bridal college, er…I mean a bible college anywhere in the country.
Like so many things that God has made good we in our humanness often let our thoughts and feelings get the best of us. Our limited perspective and understanding all too often dictates our decisions.
I’m not putting these people down because depending on the day, I’m right there with them. What I’m learning in my own life is that God’s perspective is much different than mine and it almost always involves waiting.
I’ve been waiting to get involved in the powersports industry since I was about 10. When Greenville came along, I was interested, but I had to wait for doors to open for acceptance, financial aid and ultimately deciding if I really believed that’s where God wanted me. I thought after spending four years at a Christian college surely I’d come out married and yet I find myself still waiting.
Now some might suggest getting off the bench and getting in the game. If that’s your feeling I’d encourage you to read back through any of my previous bogs about some of my failed attempts and dating faux pas. I wouldn’t exactly say I’m sitting idly by.
Sometimes God just calls us to wait. No matter what we do or how hard we work doors just seem to remain closed. That goes for relationships, promotions and any number of opportunities. In those moments we’re given a choice. We can keep knocking those doors down in hopes of forcing them open (sometimes persistence pays off). Or instead we can choose to regroup and re-examine ourselves to ensure we are all that we can be when that time does come.
I look at my time in college that way. My plan was to head for southern California right out of high school. Four years at a liberal arts school studying accounting was hardly my idea of a good time but it proved to be an affective way to spend my time waiting. While I had no clue of the incredible opportunities that awaited me, I know now that I’m infinitely better prepared to be where I am, doing what I’m doing than if I had headed south at 18.
My encouragement is this; wait with purpose. Spend your time waiting working on yourself so that when the person or opportunity you’ve been waiting for comes along, you can give your best self to it completely. The term “best self” sounds kinda hokey to me, but regardless, focus on becoming the person that God has made you to be. Develop your skills and your strengths. Practice your craft in such a way that when the door opens, they can’t help but notice you.
If you’re waiting for that special someone, spend time becoming the person that person might be looking for. We’ve all got issues and getting married certainly doesn’t solve them. Spend time now recognizing and working on your rough areas so that you’re better prepared when that right person comes along.
I tell people all the time it’s funny how God knows what He’s doing. If any of the girls I had pursued in college had been interested I’d probably still be working at a bank in Greenville, not living this amazing journey I’ve been on for the last couple of years. And that would be ok, it just wouldn’t have been the best possible scenario for me.
For me, in that and so many other areas, I have to just keep waiting and trusting that God knows what He’s doing. After all I’ve been through and how I’ve seen Him provide in SO many areas, I’d be a fool to think I’ve used up my last lifeline and I’m left to fend for myself. I’m quite confident God doesn’t work that way.
So what are you purposefully waiting for?
Hey Seth,
I look forward to reading more in the future!
I’m one of the Morelli’s out in Maupin. A friend who works for your dad recommend my reading of this blog. I have to say, I’m SO glad she did! This has been one of the most encouraging things I’ve read in a while. I feel like I just read a part of a diary or a really good book. You’ve got a gift here keep it up
Melissa
Thank you so much Melissa! I take it you’re probably related to Tim and Sarah? Thanks so much for reading and for commenting. I try to post regularly so feel free to check back. I kinda just write about whatever’s been on my heart and my mind.
You bet! I think its great and will definitely be checking in now and then. Yes, to your question one where I connect to the Morelli “Clan”. I’m Tim and Sara’s niece — (Tim’s brother) Tony and Suzy’s oldest daughter.