I can't believe that I'm at an age where engagements are finally okay and becoming more frequent. It seemed like yesterday boys had cooties and I was playing Barbie's with my best friends. Now, I get on Facebook and see all these engagement posts and wedding pictures.

I have been to so many (beautiful) weddings in the past two years. I wish those in this exciting season of life nothing more than a lifetime of happiness, but I have found myself getting a little tired of all the adorable engagement photos and stunning rocks that have flooded the Internet the past couple years.

I think marriage is beautiful. It's a beautiful picture of Christ and His church. The way a husband loves his wife is a picture of how Christ loves us. That's why Christ explicitly states that in the book of Ephesians. It also talks about how wives submit themselves to their husbands, as they also do to the Lord. God created this to parallel the relationship between Christ and Christians, and I think it's so incredible that God would give us an earthly model. That's why it should be taken seriously.

I can't speak for anyone but myself when I talk about the seriousness of marriage. I also understand that many have suffered deep heartache and scars from marriage, and I am not discrediting that at all. I can't even begin to imagine the heartbreak that comes with a divorce. Our hearts were never made to be broken. Sin was what did that, and that is always going to be dealt with as long as two sinners are in a relationship together.

I definitely do want to be married someday. However, I am in no rush to. When I was 10, I wanted to be married by the time I was in my early 20's. I would definitely be disappointing my younger self because I am currently 22 and single. I am more than okay with it though. I don't want to marry just anyone and settle. I want someone who not only brings out the best in me but also encourages me in my walk with Christ. He has to love God more than he loves me.

Something I don't think a lot of people realize is what a gift singleness is. There is so much adventure and excitement awaits with family, friends, and other loved ones. God can teach you so much when it's just you. It can be lonely at times, but it is simpler in a lot of ways. Especially when it comes to transitioning into different seasons of life.

Things change when you get married. It should be for the better, but priorities will still change nonetheless. It's not just about your desires anymore. It's yours and another person's that have to be accounted for. It's not a burden by any means. It's just different. There are some things that I am doing or have done before that would be more challenging to do if I was currently married. Although marriage would make some things better. I've learned though not to dwell on what could be, but instead focus on living a fulfilling life right now. A husband isn't going to fulfill me. Only Christ can do that.

I guess you could say that I am single, fresh out of college, and not waiting. As mentioned before, I do want to get married someday. I can't wait to wear a beautiful dress, surrounded by my family and friends as I pledge to love the man of my dreams for the rest of my life. The idea of waking up everyday next to someone that brings such a sense of life and happiness to my life sounds incredible. There's nothing like the idea of spending endless amounts of time with someone who makes you laugh, lets you cry, and loves you even more when they know your baggage and scars.

However, I recognize how serious and sacred marriage is, so I want to do to right the first time. I'm okay with living my life and letting God be matchmaker. The world is full of so many exciting opportunities and adventures, and I don't have to have a husband in order to pursue them. There is no reason to put a timer on it, especially when God's time clock is the only one that matters. He isn't holding out on me. He's just protecting me from less than His best.

Instagram and Facebook continue to flood with pictures of diamond rings. I like the picture, and continue to smile at the beautiful blessed life that I currently live.