We live in a world where "if only" is a common thought.

"If only" my parents hadn't divorced. "If only" this had happened differently. "If only" I could go back and change that. "If only" I had ended that relationship sooner. "If only" they loved me too. "If only" they would give me a chance. "If only" I had gotten that job. "If only" they were still here to see this. I could literally list an endless amount of "if only" scenarios.

Now listen.. I'm not saying that it's a bad thing to reflect on the past; however, it's unhealthy to live your life constantly wishing you could go back and change whatever it is. As cliche as it may sound, everything in your life (past, present, and future) happens for a reason. Whether you like it or not there are going to be heartbreaking, painful, and confusing times. However, these experiences make us who we are. They mold and shape us into the person God intends for us to be in this world, but how can God work within you if you are consistently at war with Him?

Don't think I haven't done this myself, because I most definitely have. I felt as if someone had taken a remote and hit pause on my life. Nothing was changing for me; I continued to feel lonely, confused, and even angry with God. I then realized that I was still stuck reading the same chapter in my life over and over again, and I wasn't allowing God to turn the page for me. Once I surrendered every "if only" scenario that I had... I immediately felt at peace with myself. Allowing God to turn the pages has opened up so many beautiful chapters.

Those who move forward with a happy spirit will find that things always work out. It's important to accept that certain things will never go back to how they used to be; let go and let God make things new! Spending your life wishing things would go as you think is best is a waste of time, because God's timing is perfect and His plan(s) will always be greater than our own. Rest assured that God is in control. Stop focusing on the "if only's", and let God make YOU new.