Waiting for Mr. Right

In an instant gratification culture, waiting is something that's hard to come by. We live in a fast progressing culture that is fueled by how quickly we can accomplish things. This may not always be a bad thing, and in some instances it's incredibly helpful. But when it comes to our personal relationships, instant gratification can be detrimental. If we carry over our desire to hurry things along, then we may miss out on meeting the person God has planned for us to marry. Let me expand this thought.

I recently read a facebook status that talked about waiting for the right person to marry. It said that settling for the "good" guy instead of waiting for a great guy is a mistake. Rushing into a relationship can lead to problems, and may lead to a bad ending. Waiting for the right person instead of settling is essential for a healthy relationship. As I read this status I got to thinking how important it was for me to personally hear. Being single isn't easy when most of my friends are dating, engaged, or already married. I feel like I'm behind the game. I've been waiting for the right guy for a long time. About a year ago, I was ready to marry my best friend, but doing that would have been settling. He was a great guy and we were compatible on so many levels. But he didn't have the values I was looking for in a husband. The marriage wouldn't have been terrible, and we probably could have made it work...but I knew in my heart that he wasn't the one. As difficult as it was, I ended the relationship. We still hung out, but keeping the friendship on a just friends level became too difficult and about 3 months ago I had to part ways with my best friend. This was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make. I knew it was for the best, but it still hurt me really bad. I walked away feeling so alone and completely defeated. As time went on I became more isolated. The pain I've experienced due to the loss of this friendship has been unbearable at times. But as I read this status I was reminded that the pain I'm feeling now wouldn't be anything to the pain I would have felt years down the road had I decided to rush into something I wasn't completely ready for, or someone I wasn't completely happy with. I've been learning more about the kind of person I am, and the kind of person I'm interested in being married to. I've also learned that I'm not willing to settle for any man. I don't want to marry someone who I'm simply compatible with, but someone who is willing to challenge me. I want someone who loves Jesus before he loves me. I want a leader and someone who can support me. I don't want to sit around all day and wait for life to happen, but I want to do life with the love of my life and grow with that person. The list can go on and on, but I have standards that I'm no longer willing to set aside or compromise on because I'm tired of being single. Waiting is really hard, but I'm prepared to wait if it means that I'll have a happy and healthy marriage in the future. Until then, I'm praying for my future husband and praying that God will bring the right person into my life at just the right time in my life.