We are coming upon the season of engagements.

If you attend any sort of school similar to mine, than you are well aware of what I'm talking about.

"Ring by Spring"

That time of year where it seems that every couple, whether they've been together four years or four weeks are deciding to put a ring on it.

Those months where you stop being surprised whenever you refresh your Instagram and/or Facebook timeline and see many of your fellow classmates holding true to that small Christian school stereotype.

Let me be clear--I believe every relationship, every person, is different. There is not one set timeline that I think should be followed when it comes to dating. I'm a firm believer in when you know, you know. So, if you're ready than go ahead: buy the ring, ask the question, post the picture, and don't forget to send me a save the date (because I seriously LOVE weddings).

So please, do not think I am hating/judging/or being bitter towards anyone who is at this stage in their life. I'm simply here to talk to those of us who aren't. All of us who spend our Friday nights wishing we were out with our significant other, when in reality we're just sitting on the couch with our roommates debating on who's turn it is to buy the tub of gelato.

Sometimes it's easy to get swept up in the "Christian circle timeline" of what your relationship status is supposed to look like: meet someone Freshman year or, I mean if you're really wanting to take things slow, first semester Sophomore year, date for a year or two, get engaged some time right before your Senior year, and then say "I do" right after you walk across that stage together, diplomas in hand. [For the record if this is how your life turned out, then congratulations. Seriously, that's awesome, and there are many times that I envy that].

But what if you don't fit that timeline? What if that's not the path God has laid out for your life?

I've spent a lot of time thinking about this, and I've decided I'm glad my life is where it's at right now. Not only am I glad, but I no longer am waiting for that ring by spring, and here's why:

1. I'm enjoying it. Sure there are times when we might wish we had someone there, but while being in relationships are great, there's a certain freedom that comes along with just having to worry about yourself. If you decide you want to pick up and take a 6 month back-packing trip across the world, or you're sick of the city you live in and just want a new start, there's no one here telling you not to. Get up and go. Live whatever exciting (or not so exciting) life you've always wanted without having to worry what it will do to your relationship.

2. I'm not ready. Dating should be something that is taken more seriously than we like to think sometimes. It's something that involves other people's feelings as well as our own. If you're not ready to commit to someone and give them your all, why waste yours or their time? Dating requires you to be ready to not be selfish and to compromise sometimes for the other person's happiness. If you're not willing to do that, than you're not ready to be with someone.

3. I'm still learning who I am. Being in a serious relationship requires you to essentially become one with that person. You take on each others ups and downs, and you do life side by side. This is one of the most beautiful things about being in a committed relationship. With that being said, if you don't know who you are as an individual, how can you except to join together with someone else? The more we know ourselves in the Lord, apart from anyone else, the better we'll be at coming together with someone when we finally meet that right person.

AND LASTLY,

4. Singleness is as important a season in life as dating is. It's easy for us to think that our main purpose in life is to find that special someone. As much as we all hope and pray for that, that is not why we were created. We were created to further the Kingdom of God, and if you're single right now, that's God telling you that for right now, you can do more alone than you can with someone else. Maybe God needs you to learn to love Him right now before you can successfully love someone else. Maybe He needs you to be ready to jump on whatever plan He has set out for you without hesitation. Whatever the reason, there is a reason. Remember that the grass is always greener on the other side. So instead of trying to get to the other side, focus on making your grass greener.

Everyone grows at different rates, and everyone has a different path that was set out for their life. Some of us were made to marry young, while others of us were made to be the third wheel for a little longer than others.

No matter which side of the spectrum you land on, you're where you're supposed to be. For those of you who are getting ready to post those engagement pictures--be thankful for who you have. Love them and never take that for granted. For those of you who aren't quite there--be thankful for this season. Love it and never take it for granted.

You're life is not ruined, and you are not worth less just because you're still searching for your person. Your time will come. Until then, get ready to double tap some pics, because ring by spring is approaching.