By: Maritza Brunt
I started high school convinced I was an ugly duckling. I had round, purple-framed glasses, crooked bottom teeth, untameable hair and stood at least a head taller than all the boys. It was definitely my awkward stage in life.
To make matters worse, all my friends were beautiful. Perfect smiles, hair, faces, and eyesight, too. For a year, I was lost and confused. I didn’t want a boyfriend; I just wanted a boy to like me. Why wasn’t I good enough?
I don’t know what your situation is. Maybe you’re feeling the way I used to: left out and lonely. Maybe you’re not interested in a guy, but the pressure to have a boyfriend is overwhelming. Or, maybe a guy has teased you and it’s crushed your spirit.
I’ve been through all of those, and it’s painful. It really hurts. I wish I could give you instructions on how to find your perfect man.
But I can’t. That part isn’t up to me.
It’s up to the person who’s already written the instructions: God.
Yes, I know, you’ve probably heard that a million times from your parents. But if you don’t want to listen to your Mum because you think she was a teenager in the year of the dinosaur, then take it from me.
It’s about ‘patience’ – the thing us women sometimes, (more often than not) tend to lack. There is nothing more aggravating than waiting for something that we really want. But think about it this way: would you rather be like everyone else and settle for a guy so you won’t be alone? Or, would you rather wait on God’s perfect timing and hold out for an amazing guy?
In her book Boyland, Andrea Stephens writes it beautifully:-
“God took Eve by the hand and led her straight to Adam. He brought her – personally escorted her – to the man he had ready and waiting. He did the same with Isaac and Rebekah, Ruth and Boaz, and many others. And he can do the same for you. God didn’t initiate the relationships between Sampson and Delilah or David and Bathsheba – and they ended up being messy, painful, and life altering. Wait for your mate!”
I started high school thinking I was an ugly duckling. But I finished high school convinced that I was a beautiful daughter of God, who had a plan for my life. Prince Charming or not, no matter what others think or say, you will always be His daughter, too.
Because I am a female, and because I have the patience level of a hungry rhino, waiting on God’s timing wasn’t always easy. But here are 5 tips I’ve found that worked for me, and for many other girls I know!
- Throw yourself into your schoolwork.
I know. It sounds crazy. But keeping yourself busy will help focus on something other than boys! And your grades are almost guaranteed to improve if you do.
- Work on becoming a better you – on the inside!
No matter how pretty you are or how trendy your clothes are, if your inside is ugly, then it’s a sure turn off for any guy.
- Surround yourself with your girlfriends.
True girlfriends are worth more than any guy! Think about it – what’s better than an all-nighter filled with chocolate, chick flicks and endless talking? Nothing, that’s what! And this doesn’t only go for girlfriends – family members, anyone who loves you for YOU.
- Think of the positives of being single.
You don’t have to worry about the pressures of going too far in a relationship. You don’t have to go through a potentially painful breakup. You don’t have to worry about having kissable breath. The list goes on!
- Pray.
If you’re hurting, tell God about it! He wants to know, and He wants to comfort you. Get involved with your local church, and let God fill the hole in your heart like only He can.