Just recently, I decided to get my driver’s license. If you’re in the Philippines, you know that the hardest part of getting your license is the waiting game.
Waiting. Waiting is always tiring, especially if you don’t do anything to keep you entertained. That’s why we bring books, load up movies on our phones, play games, you name it. Doing something productive is much better than waiting idly.
I believe it’s similar to waiting for that special someone. It can be frustrating to wait for your dream guy or dream girl. Most of the time, you feel like you’re waiting in vain. Fear, doubt, self-pity will start to creep in…
“Will he/she ever come?”
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
I remember sharing this to my Set-Apart Girls (a group of teenage girls): that before you look for a prince, focus on being a princess first. While you wait for your prince charming to sweep you off your feet, first thing’s first, you have to move and sweep the floor! Instead of looking too much to tomorrow, look to improving yourself now. Work on your character, skills, and even your physical appearance. BE the best before finding the best.
I want to share 3 practical tips and personal stories that helped me (and Paulo) when I once waited too. Hopefully you’ll find them useful!
While you wait, here are some things you can do…
1. Pursue Excellence.
One of the reasons why we waited for four years was because of Paulo’s studies. We waited until he finished college. By God’s grace, he graduated Cum Laude in Ateneo! He’s now taking up his masters and might pursue law school next year.
I witnessed how he pursued excellence in school, in sports, and more importantly, in his service to God. He hosted, co-led our youth ministry, broadcasted on radio, played the drums for the worship team, among others. Despite his busy and crazy schedule, he never forgot about serving God.
He hates procrastinating! He made sure that I wouldn’t be a distraction, while I made sure that I would help him in anyway I could.
I, on the other hand, pursued my passion in serving God through photography, leading our youth ministry, and much more. I speak in our radio program too!
I worked. I refused to be consumed by thoughts of “waiting for my future boyfriend”. I did my best to pursue excellence instead. By God’s grace, something amazing happened! *hint something that I can be proud of*
3 years ago, I founded Share Movement. There, I organize workshops for a cause. Eventually the movement gave birth to Shop and Share and tons of amazing testimonies. (Click here to know more about Share Movement and Shop and Share)
“Grow where you are planted”
I love this quote! There’s literally no excuse! If you just pray, and use your mind and heart, God reveals amazing ideas for you to grow WHEREVER you are and WHATEVER circumstances you may be in.
Observe where you can grow. Search for where you can do things beyond yourself and your comfort zone.
Work hard. Build and create something that you can be proud of.
Ask Yourself:
What aspect of your life needs improvement? Rate your work ethic from 1-10. What can you do to make it better?
What are the things you do that you’re proud of?
2. Build Relationships.
There is no end to working on this area. It’s as important as the first.
I always say that it’s not wrong to find an inspiration or a crush. But don’t let yourself be consumed by the opposite sex. Spend time with your loved ones, your friends and family.
Do memorable and fun things together.
I recently asked my cousins to meet up with me twice a month, hoping it would stir up meaningful conversations and an atmosphere of fellowship.
It’s like a small group gathering where we eat, have fun, and update each other with our lives. We also discuss topics about personal growth and improvement.
Paulo and I spend time with our own families. Sometimes, our families even spend time all together!
The possibilities are endless when it comes to building strong relationships with your loved ones. When you meet your special someone, wouldn’t it be great to know that they are close to their family?
Ask Yourself:
How close are you with your loved ones?
What do you need to do in order to be close to them?
3. Pursue A Deeper Relationship with Jesus.
Before you go for a romantic relationship with someone, working on your relationship with the Creator of relationships is a no-brainier. He holds everything. He controls and He allows. In His perfect time, He’s powerful enough to give you what you want or deserve.
Now I’m not advertising any particular religion here. I’m simply campaigning the benefits of having a deep relationship with Jesus.
Before I met Paulo, I was constantly battling with my frustration of finding the “perfect guy”. Unfortunately, I resorted to compromising my standards and my values. It led to heartbreaks, broken friendships, and disappointments.
The day came when I had enough and told God that I would COMPLETELY surrender to His will. I talked to Him like I would a Father and friend. I surrendered my frustrations, fear, and doubt. (I’ll blog more about this soon!)
Here’s my life verse, John 15:5 – “…apart from Him, I am nothing.”
I told myself, over and over again that my life would fail without God’s approval and guidance. I depended on Him. Believe me when I say that YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH THIS! It’s like the key to everything you want and soooo much more!
Paulo and I believe that without His CONSTANT guidance, we will not be able to succeed in ANY aspect of our lives.
Ask Yourself:
Do you have a relationship with Jesus, the Creator of all things?
How can you make your relationship with Him deeper and sweeter?
Do you believe that His timing is always perfect?
Do you depend on Him?
Do you trust Him enough?
“Learn to love the stage you’re in.”
- Matthew Barnett
Consume yourself with God and your loved ones, and you’ll find lifelong growth. Soon enough you’ll be busy, and time flies when you’re busy.
It benefits you, and I promise that it will benefit your future partner.
Be the person you’ve been dreaming about.
