I was scrolling through social media when I should have been somewhere writing. I knew I had no business being on there because, in a matter of minutes, I saw at least six announcements about wedding engagements. Six! I saw acquaintances from high school getting engaged, with kids in tow. I saw people I knew from church get engaged. I even got the news that one of my sorority sisters got engaged.
I didn’t find myself envious or jealous (thankfully). I smiled and happily hit like buttons and left encouraging comments or warm wishes of congratulations. And I meant every word.
Then, I couldn’t help but laugh. Like a rolling, hearty, open-mouthed laugh that sprouted tears in the corners of my eyes.
God sure has a sense of humor. I had no business procrastinating from my writing. While scrolling down social media lane, I ended up seeing diamonds, hearts, and kisses all up and down my timeline. I even tumbled down a wormhole about who is engaged to who, when and how did they meet, and who’s cousin introduced them (social media stalking at its finest).
There I sat on a Saturday night eating potato chips, laughing out loud and excited to read my new library book while my social media timeline was covered in relationships, love and wedding bliss. Something was wrong with that picture.
God, what gives?
I handed over my love story to be written by the best Author around and so far, it seems to have fallen a bit short of expectations. From this reader’s point of view, the story has lacked romance and action. No real climax, a lot of focus on character development and not enough intimacy. I’m starting to lose interest. I’m even considering skipping ahead to see if there is an author’s note that reveals the ending.
I had a different story outlined when I said, “Jesus take the wheel. Write my love story.”
It’s was a story involving someone tall, chocolate, well-dressed and passionately in love with me. Complete with chapters about trips to Paris, buying a home in the Oakland Hills and a consistent plus one to every occasion – but all before the age of 35.
Before I switched to a trip down pity party lane and lamented over what hasn’t happened, I pumped the breaks and decided to shift my perspective. It was high time I took a break from social media and encouraged myself in the Lord.
I started by reading Hebrews chapter 11, also known as the Faith Hall of Fame. I remembered the amazing works God did in the lives of others as well as my own. How he has blessed me to have my own home when I thought that would only happen when I got married; how he has allowed me to travel internationally when I thought that was only an experience to be had with my spouse; how He is using this waiting time to build my testimony and allowing me to encourage other women in similar situations. My story is beautifully crafted if I choose to see it as such.
If you’re feeling discouraged about what hasn’t happened in your life, I implore you to put down your phone and spend time with God. Ask Him questions, tell Him your hearts desires. Don’t be afraid to discuss your frustrations, concerns or fears. He is there, listening and waiting to commune with you.
He is the great I AM. His thoughts and ways are not our thoughts or ways. While His outline may differ from yours or mine, He is the ultimate Author and has the best ending in store for you. He has not forgotten about you and knows you better than you could ever know yourself. You are exactly where you need to be and at the time you need to be there.
Don’t focus on what things look like right now. One of the best parts about being an author is that you know the background story as well as what happens. While your story could seem like it’s at a standstill, there could be an excerpt that changes the entire plot on the next page or in the next chapter. What you see is not the whole story. God has plans to give you hope and prosperity in all areas of your life.
No matter if you are waiting on a love story, a baby, a new job, restored relationships with family or mental breakthroughs, know that it’s on the way. He promised never to withhold any good thing from those who do what’s right.
Be encouraged.
