Our generation values love so much. We put so much emphasis on finding our "prince charming" and starting a family of our own. Now, don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to get married fairly young and fresh out of college. However, if it takes you a little longer than those around you to get to that stage, I want you to know that there is nothing wrong with that.

Growing up, I always assumed I would get married straight out of college. My parents are high school sweethearts and I have been through several different relationships. For a while, I didn't understand why it was so much harder for me than it was for my parents. Why did they only have to try once, but here I was time and time again, seeing my relationships fail?

Now, I don't know about you, but I am at the age where a lot of my friends are either getting married or engaged, and I have other friends who are going through the same thing. I completely understand that it can be discouraging and easy to doubt yourself when everyone around you seems to be in a serious relationship. You may even begin to ask, "What's wrong with me?" or "Why don't I have that?"

The other day I had a conversation with a friend of mine who was struggling with this very concept.

Through my previously mentioned past relationships and a lot of advice from wise people that I look up to, I've learned that sometimes it just takes other people longer, and that is exactly what I told my friend. It doesn't make them any less worth it, and they will be just as happy as those getting engaged now. It just takes longer.

What I have learned, though, is that all the heartbreak that you endure along the way will make you appreciate the real thing so much more. You just have to be patient.

Now, I have a year and a half left in college and I feel like I am nowhere near ready to be someone's wife, and I am completely OK with that. It's a blessing that I have this time with God to discover more of myself and to pour myself into Him and His plans for me. Family is something that I desire greatly, but I don't have to start one right away. I know that God's plans are greater than my own and that He will work everything together for my good in His perfect timing.

And He will do the same for you.

I share this with you for those of you who feel the same way. If you're discouraged because you are not in a relationship and you feel undesirable or if you feel shame for not wanting to get married right away, let this be an encouragement to you. I want you to know that it is OK to take time to find yourself, in fact, I encourage you to do so. If you aren't in a relationship and feel discouraged because all of your friends are, it's OK. I promise you that your time is coming, you just have to trust God and be patient. In the meantime, enjoy life and find yourself.

So it's OK if you don't get married right when everyone else does. Your love story will be just as beautiful.