You know that cliché situation that you see in movies where there's the girl who is single, surrounded by friends in relationships, and she's just kind of there?

I have never really considered myself one of those girls. I usually enjoy hearing about the sweet relationships my friends are in and applaud the commitment they have. Until just recently I have started to feel like that girl. The one who sometimes feels like they are falling behind on the "love wagon." The one who watches her friends as they enjoy their happy relationships, but enjoys her Saturday nights alone watching Friday Night Lights. You may be feeling the same way I am - ugly, weird, and self-conscious because nobody has found you "girlfriend material."

However, looking around and seeing those relationships that my friends are in, I have started to realize the type of relationship that I want, and think I, and every girl, deserves. The one where I don't just settle for someone who makes me feel good, but finding the one who God wants for me.

The man who you want to be with is the man who notices that you bite your nails when you're nervous.

The man who knows that you only like 2 spoonfuls of sugar in your coffee.

The man who knows that at the end of a bad day, what you really need is just a big hug.

The man who will sit through a sappy love movie with you.

The man who brings you flowers after your dance recital.

The man who you want to be with is the man who knows your undying love of the Lord; He doesn't just pray for you, but with you, too.

You are not single because a guy has not found you "girlfriend material." God thinks you are to die for. You are not single because you are flawed. Only Jesus is perfect. You are not single because you sin. Peter sinned. You are not single because you are ugly. God says that you are altogether beautiful (Song of Songs 4:7). You are single because a guy has not come along yet that has been good enough for you and deserving of all that you have to offer. A guy has not come along yet that sees you the way God sees you - special.

One of my favorite quotes is "Bind my wandering heart to Thee." I don't want to hand my heart to someone who doesn't care about it. The one that I really want, and need, to hold my heart is someone like The One who created it. "Place your heart in the hands of God, and he will place it in the hands of someone who deserves it."

Proverbs 27:19 says "as water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects The Man." Don't you dare settle for anyone less than the one who God would pick for you, darling. You deserve someone who knows how easy it could be to break your heart and does everything he can to stray away from doing it. You are valued. A perfect masterpiece. A daughter of The King. Wait for the man who treats you like it.

So, instead of dwelling on the fact that you are still single, surrounded by friends with boyfriends and girlfriends, celebrate the one of a kind love that only God could have for you, and embrace this time you have to grow closer to Him.

"Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promise to her."

- Luke 1:45