While being at a Christian school, like GCU, it is very common to see people dating, engaged, and married. Especially during this time of year because ring by spring is real. This is all fine and dandy, but when it is happening to all of your friends and not you, it can get really hard.

Now, I'm not saying this to discourage you because I'm right there with you. I have so many friends that are getting into relationships, getting engaged, or about to get married. I get it, it is really hard to sit back and watch all of this happen around you, but have you ever stopped to think that there may be a reason as to why it hasn't happened yet.

One thing that is huge when looking at this is timing. I know this can sound like a simple, common answer, but it really is an important aspect of this. This is actually something I have been learning a lot about lately because it is so important for the timing to be right in order to have a relationship or for something to start forming. Sadly, it is something that isn't in our control. People try so often to search for a relationship and force something to happen and when it fails over and over again, it can cause you to get discouraged. God has specific timing set for so many things, including our relationships. If you try to force something when the timing isn't right, it is going to fall through and you may just end up being discouraged once again. I'm not saying this to be harsh, this is just what I have seen from personal experience. There is a good thing to timing, though, because God isn't going to give you up to just anyone. You are a child of God and He wants the best for you. So, you may be waiting, but it is because God is still working on the person for you. Just because you may be ready for a relationship, does not mean the person that you are supposed to be with is. God may still need them to grow and learn some things before you can be with that person.

Another thing to remember is to not let everyone else being in a relationship get you down. There are so many interesting things that you can do while single. Don't rush into a relationship because once you are in it, especially if that is who you are going to marry, you will no longer be able to do some of the things you could've done before you were together. Something else that God has been working on with me is praying for my future husband, as well as writing letters to him. This is such a fun thing to do because even though you may not know who he is yet, it is a wonderful way for you to connect with God, as well as write about how you are feeling. Yes, it can be tough to do this, but think about how cool it will be to give this journal to your husband when you get married. He will see how much you cared about him before you even knew him and how much you have grown as you have gone through this process. Plus when you're married, you are going to tell your husband what you're feeling and what is on your mind and this can give you the opportunity to do that now.

In the end, it can be so hard to not get discouraged when you see everyone around you in a cute relationship or getting engaged, or when you catch yourself scrolling through friends wedding photos, but it can also be a huge blessing. Some things are worth the wait. If you are in the waiting stage, remember that you will have such a great appreciation for a relationship when you are able to have that in your life. Also, just keep in mind that God might still have some things for your significant other to learn before they would be ready to be in a relationship with you.