2014 dawned bright and I had love in my sights. I was searching for a man to walk into the future with, because I  believed I needed a man to complete me. That fall, I was invited to a collegiate worship service at a nearby university. 

That’s where I saw him. He had dark hair, and eyes I thought held my future. 

I found out the hard way, that wasn’t the case. 

I really thought I’d found my one and only, but when he said, ‘just friends’ I said fine, but honestly, I wanted something more. I wanted a hand to hold, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on. Instead, I had to dry my own tears, listen to my own complaints about singleness, and my hands were empty. It’s with empty hands God works His power, though. 

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty work at within us to, accomplish infinitely more than all we can ask or imagine.” -Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

Through all of this, I was taught the significance of guarding my heart using the analogy “your heart is like a rose”: Roses are beautiful, but if not handled carefully, all their petals can fall to the ground.

It took time and tears, but eventually my rose was brought back to me. It is as exquisite as any painting in the gallery and breathtaking as any bride. That season of my life taught me some valuable lessons I would not have learned if I hadn’t walked through it. I have been single since….my whole life. It’s rather lonely this path of singleness, but I believe it’ll be worth the wait. I’ve learned the hard way that God’s timing is the best timing.

Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:6: “A time to search and a time to quit searching…” This verse really sums up my love life. In my late teens and early twenties, I was searching for a guy to love. I was on the hunt like a hawk looks for prey. Now, six years of maturity under my belt, I realize God will point out this man when the time is right. He knows me better than I know myself and He can pick me out a man to marry better than I can.

“The same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:19 

When you realize that the word ALL means a future husband, it changed everything for me.  I learned healing is a process. Heartbreak is the hardest thing I have recovered from. Through the process, I learned that I am strong, even when I feel weak. A.A. Milne wrote, “….you are stronger than you seem…” I learned that what doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger.

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” -2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)

I’ve never felt so much strength from God during that time. That collegiate service met every week. Every week I saw him and avoided him. It was hard, but with God’s strength I made it through.

When I saw this guy, I was willing to give him my rose. My heart was on my sleeve and I was willing to give away that precious thing. My guard was asleep on the job, because before I knew it, I was dreaming up the future with this guy who I had just met. I cannot stress how important it is to guard your heart. Guarding our heart is something we are told to do in the Bible, why? “….because it determines the course of your life.” (Proverbs 4:23).

To guard your heart, you need to reevaluate your entertainment choices. What you read, watch, and listen to. Romance novels seem to be the only thing on the shelves of bookstores these days. I’m not saying to never read a love story again; You don’t need to be consumed with romance. It’s really hard these days, but I promise you’ll be grateful that you did. As for TV, watch the rating. That’s what I do. Before selecting a movie on Netflix, I always check the rating. These might not be the movies everyone is talking about, but I’ll appreciate that precaution in the morning. 

What’s in your heart is your passions and fears, hopes, and dreams. That something worth hanging on to. 

Roses are delicate and so is your heart. Before you give away that rose make sure this guy knows the precious thing he is holding. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Hannah Thomas was born and raised in Social Circle, Georgia with her three siblings. She also enjoys baking, cooking, knitting, walking and spending time with God and her family. She is passionate about writing and Jesus and is always down for a cup of coffee, no matter the time. To find more of her writing check out her blog.