We all have fallen victim to binge watching YouTube proposals and obsessing over newly engaged couples on the famous page on Instagram... Am I right?
As a single college student, my heart yearns to be in a relationship. Love is all around me. Whether it start at home with my family and grandparents, to the couples at Starbucks and around campus. I am constantly daydreaming of how I might fall in love.
It is something special that we all get to experience, but with love comes hardships and heart break.
Over the past few years, I have witnessed others and myself be hurt by the idea of love and trying to make something work. When it was not meant to be and it started because we decided it was okay to settle.
Settling does not seem like such a big deal to us because let's face it, no one is perfect, but we let that be our excuse to continue into relationships that could potentially be unhealthy for us. We lie and tell ourselves that maybe because they do not meet our expectations, they still can surprise us.
If you are anything like me, I imagine my husband being six-foot tall with long flowing hair he can swoop back into a gorgeous man bun. But, besides that, a man of God. A guy who has southern charm and has the ability to lead. A man who wants to have a family and to take the world by storm. But if you are also like me, you have settled for a guy who does not align up with your desirable characteristics. He may have the flow, but he does not claim he wants a family or Love God.
What is happening is we are setting ourselves up for heartbreak. We are going into a relationship with the idea that they can change or we can change them. That our fairytales will still work out and we get out happy ending. Instead He loves you but also loves someone else. He wants to be with you but commitment is a deal breaker. The list can vary and change depending on your situation but if you are settling, the results will always stay the same.
I just wanted to encourage you though. So often we want something right away, rather than just waiting. We are so impatient with the idea that, “good things come to those who wait” and take things into our own hands. We do not acknowledge the fact that God has a plan for us.
“In their hearts humans plan their course but the Lord establishes their steps” –Proverbs 16:9.
As we try and take control remember that trusting God will always be rewarding. Instead of falling into temptation, surround yourself with high standards, encouraging friends, and a joyful heart. Love will find you, it just takes a trusting heart and timing. Do not get discouraged because you have once settled but remember that today is a new day. Set your standards high and continue to believe that fairytales still exist, because they do.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” – Jeremiah 29:11
“Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires”- Songs of Soloman 8:4.
