APOSTOLIC News

“When God unfolds the rose, He always gets it right.”

I’m a romantic. I also believe in fairy tale endings, prince charming and happy ever afters. I’ve swooned over Mr. Darcy as I read Pride & Prejudice, squealed with delight when Bella fell in love with Edward, and then cried when Anne told Gilbert she wouldn’t marry him in Anne of the Island.  Like any normal girl, I’ve dreamed of my own prince charming and imagined all the romantic things he would tell me to sweep me off my feet. Then the lights come on and the book ends, and I notice I’m still wearing my rags with the single glass slipper. The pumpkin is still a pumpkin and the frog is still … yep, and no prince charming!

I’ve become the expert dodger at weddings when asked that frustrating question, “So when are you getting married?”  Honestly folks, if I knew the answer to that question don’t you think I would have already done something about it? Instead I laugh and joke that I don’t need a husband when I have the unconditional love of my two dogs.  But like any other single women, I wonder when my time will come or when I will first lay eyes on that special someone.

The hardest part of this thing called life is the waiting. Whether it’s waiting for the right job, selecting the right career, or waiting for that perfect someone — it seems we are always waiting.  Our lives are still being written, the canvas fresh with paint and we don’t get to see how this all pans out.

We live a “microwave” existence, our society an “instant”  everything culture. Instant gratification, instant acceptance — no longer do we have to wait for our “ one and only.”

So how do Christian singles find peace and contentment during this time of their lives?  Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “for I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD…” (NIV).   Nevertheless, it’s easy to become disillusioned when our timing doesn’t line up with God.   At times like this, I’m reminded of Helen Lemmel’s ageless hymn.  “Turn your eyes upon Jesus….and the things of earth will grow strangely dim.”  Regardless of what stage we are at in our lives we need to never lose our focus — God’s will, in God’s time.

Like a rose, our life is perfectly unfolded just in time to bloom, not by us but by the Master planner. Each page is written, one section at a time. God knows what we need, when we need it, and is faithful to provide it all at just the right time.  All He requires us to do is simply hand over the wheel and enjoy the ride.

So I’ve decided that my Prince Charming will come when God is ready. Besides, I’ve been told I can always use the bridesmaid dresses again.

Amber Baus holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies from California Baptist University and is pursuing a teaching credential in Special Education.  She is currently employed with the Riverside County Office of Education as an Administrative Assistant in Technology.  Amber attends Inland Lighthouse Church pastored by Rev. Larry Booker where is she is involved with a variety of ministries and community programs.