Waiting on Mr. Right is extremely painful for many women. Especially as Valentine’s Day approaches and the desire to have a meaningful, romantic relationship increases for many who feel they are waiting their lives away. Sadly and all too often, the wait is thrown out the window as the right guy is exchanged for someone who might be good enough.

I’ve known so many young women through the years who’ve been waiting, many of whom are still waiting. I respect them greatly. They believe that God has a good plan for their lives, and they are waiting to see it come to fruition instead of trying to make it happen themselves.

Personally, I was married at the ripe old age of 19. I know, so how can I even think I understand about waiting, right?

love, marriage

But I remember three high school years that I dedicated to the wait. I had one boyfriend my entire freshman year (I still can’t believe my parents let me date that young!). When he broke up with me, it was very clear the reason was because his friends were pressuring him to have sex, and he knew that would never happen with me. My heart was broken. I thought he might have been my future one. That pain actually woke me up to some very mature mental processing.

A short while later is when I made my list. Yep, I really did make a list of what I believed I should look for in my future mate, and I was determined not to seriously date someone who didn’t meet the qualifications. The top requirement on my list was that he should love God as much or more than I did. I was passionately in love with Jesus, and I couldn’t imagine I could be satisfied with a marriage partner who wasn’t. I still can’t imagine it.

And I began to pray for my future mate, wherever and whoever he was.

Those were some amazing decisions. I saved myself so much heartache. By my first year of college, I had set up some really strong boundaries and decided that even if I would be single forever, it would be worth it if I were following God’s plan for me. At the time I had no idea my future mate was already becoming a part of my friends circle, and that we would have a seemingly short dating relationship and engagement. I had assumed that process would take years instead of one year. But there was no doubt when I said yes to Steve that he was the one. And he still is the one over 27 years later.

I would love to be a cheerleader for all those who are currently in the waiting process for Mr. Right. Don’t be tempted by the likes of culture or a Mr. Grey who will try to tell you that your standards are too high. Don’t give in to those who think you should settle for less than God’s best for your life. The choice is in your hands, and I believe that it will SO be worth the wait. Begin to pray for him now and entrust your heart to the one who loves you more than you could ever imagine. God really does have your best interest at heart.

And it will be a fabulous day when you’re able to say “I love you…” — someday.