"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." This quote has been with me since I was 14 years old, on a retreat in 8th grade. Back then, I felt like the "journey" I was about to embark on was entering high school. Of course I was ready, right? Who wasn't. Now, if you know me, you know I lose things pretty often or get new things to replace the old. My jewelry changes every couple years, with one exception. That ring. For some reason, it's been the only ring I've never lost. It has never dulled, and the words are still clear, with the exception of a dent from being worn every day for the past 7-8 years. When I look at that ring now, I find a completely different meaning. A deeper meaning to be specific. This ring is my reminder to keep going, no matter how tough I think the day that lies ahead of me may be. This ring states that life is to be lived in the present, and every day is a new day, or a new journey. What happened yesterday or what will happen tomorrow isn't something to fret about (how cliche, I know).
One of my other favorite quotes comes from a poem and correlates with this one. "Two roads divulged in a woods- I took the road less traveled, and that has made all the difference." I struggle with this daily myself. It's hard to take the first step on a journey into the unknown. It's easier to take the same road as everyone else because you know what to expect. But then, aren't you losing the excitement of encountering the unexpected? The enthralling, beautiful unexpected. To me, the best things in life are the ones you least expect. God has a plan for all of us, and similarly, it's one we do not know (full of unexpected things). That's the best part, God wants to surprise us with this remarkable plan He created just for us, no one else. My plan is different than yours, yet they're both 100% perfect for each of us. While waiting isn't easy, the finish line is more than worth the wait. Ever heard the expression, "Nothing worth having comes easy"? This is exactly what He wants us to know. The greatness he has planned for us, it may not be easy to reach but in the end, we will be praising Him endlessly.
So what do you do until then? Pray. Pray when you wake up. Pray when you want to yell at the asshole driver in front of you. Listen to Matt Maher (you won't regret it). Pray before a test and after it. Pray while studying. Pray when you feel down. Pray when you're overjoyed. The most important thing most of us tend to forget is to praise Him in the good times AND the bad. So many of us, myself included, forget to pray to him when we're happy. It's our selfish tendency to pray to Him because we need help of some sort. Yet, when he answers those prayers, we quit sending more. This isn't what you would do to a friend who helped you now is it? When your friend/family does a favor for you, don't you plead and beg until they agree to help and return it with a million thank you's? That's what we need to do as well, just with God. He truly wants what is best for each of us, and since he knows what that is, by praying to him, He will answer your prayers with the right answer and the right timing.
The love we will find in someone else who knows this as well, will be the most magnificent love to exist. Many of us have experienced first loves, second loves, and those we thought we would spend forever with. But when you think back on those times, do your best to remember the good times. Why? Because when you can admire the degree of happiness you felt then, feeling like there was nothing that could make you happier; Well, just know that there will be. There is a love out there that is going to triumph over the past ones. There is someone out there made solely and specifically for you. How cool is that? While we, as girls, lay in bed at night scrolling through the happy couples on Instagram wondering when someone is going to love us that way; Be calm and know that someone will, at the right time, in the right place, and it will be more than you ever imagined it could be.
“When I wait, you strengthen my heart.” Psalm 27:14 “What God does in us while we wait is as important as what we are waiting for.” He is molding and transforming us into exactly who we are supposed to be. During my darkest and weakest moments, I've found clarity. When I felt as if my heart were the ugliest, God reminded me I was beautiful and he was all forgiving. There's no greater love than the one you find in Him, and it is endless. He isn't like other men who only want one thing, and end up hurting you. He is the best friend who you can go running to at any time of day or night, and he will wipe away your tears. When you feel weak, lean on him and he will give you strength. When you feel like you can't go on, he will provide comfort. The best part is, he's always around too. He never leaves; He will never abandon us.
“God give me faith to wait and not manipulate. To trust You fully, no matter how my circumstances may appear." “You are loved more than you will ever know by someone who died to know you.” — Romans 5:6 “I will never leave you or forsake you.”— Joshua 1:5 Finally, I'll leave you with this quote because it truly gave me peace the other day. When I was feeling lost, scared, and truly didn't know if I'd be able to take the first step onto the journey of finding myself and my happiness with myself again, I stumbled across this beautiful verse. It has changed everything. “Whenever you feel unloved, unimportant, or insecure, remember to whom you belong.” — Ephesians 2:19-22
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