I am currently planning a future and wedding with the man of my dreams. We have set the date, booked our venue and agreed on our wedding cake. I am anxiously awaiting the big moment when we can say, “I do.” As we begin this new chapter in our life together, I can't help but reflect on past relationships that made me who I am today.

I believe God has your life planned out way before your born. HE knows what obstacles and lessons you need in your life in order for you to become the man/ woman that reflects him. God puts people in our life for us to meet, love and influence. Sometimes, God puts these certain people in our lives only for a short amount of time. Whether it be a couple of months or a couple of years, only God knows how long. As humans, it is so hard to see the big picture and what God may want you to learn on this journey here on earth.

From losing loved ones, best friends, and relationships; all have somehow shaped the woman God intended for me to be. From my first fight with a friend or even to my first break up, all have been experiences that have taught me how to love.

I’ve learned that friends will come in and out of your life. Some you may have met during childhood, at college or even in your workplace. As time goes on, you may notice, when you start making big life decisions and things start to change, so does your friend group. I believe God puts certain friends into your life at the perfect time. Whether your feeling discouraged, need your spirits lifted, or you just need a good laugh, friends are there for you. The hard truth to face is where some friendships may last forever, some may eventually burn out. We don’t always know the reasons for losing touch and often times blame ourselves. People change and grow, and that’s what this love taught me…that it’s okay to let go.

Break-ups are always hard, especially when your heart is broken. It may seem like the end of the world and that your heart will never be the same again, but I promise you, if God wanted that person to continue in your life they would be there. I don’t think God removes people from our lives to hurt us. He loves us more than anything. I think he does it to make us stronger. To call on him when we are weary and search his will in our life. When you meet the right person God has for you everything will begin fall into place. You will never have to question their motives or if they are right for you, because you will have their heart. This love taught me to never give up on love.

Losing a loved one can make you question God’s plan. When my grandmother passed away it was one of the hardest times in my life. She helped raise me and encouraged me to always be myself. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss her. The hardest part of planning my wedding is doing it without her wisdom and advice. When I start to get down about her not being apart of this special day in my life, I remind myself that where she is now, she doesn’t miss anything. Her human flesh may not be at our ceremony but her beautiful soul will be there right beside me. This type of love taught me the true definition of God’s unconditional love. My grandmother’s love resembled that of Christ’s love for all of us. No matter the condition or circumstances, my grandmother always loved me. This same true love is found in the faithfulness of Jesus.