As I was cleaning my room tonight, I stumbled across the notebook I wrote in during the Pure Freedom retreat a few weeks ago.

I made a list of women in my life I considered to be "M.O.R.E."

Making right choices currently
Older and wiser
Readily accessible--she can watch you and you can watch her
Excited to burn for you

The list I created included my grandmother, Mrs. Dodds, Miss Jennifer, Mary, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Nye, Miss Barb, etc... and then it hit me. I have plenty of best friends. It's no secret that I have expressed many feelings of loneliness and isolation lately. Looking back, I have to pose this question: "Self, were you smoking crack? What was the matter with you?" Just because these women are 20-30 years older than me or married with children doesn't make our friendships any less valuable. If anything, our friendships have been strengthened by their wisdom and understanding of things I've experienced. These women have been where I am, and they have turned out (more than) okay. They made it. It's such a relief to realize that I do, in fact, have people in my life I can trust... people who love God more than anything and people who really, truly understand.

I had also made a list of the traits and qualities I want my future husband to have. Most girls at the retreat wrote long lists, very much in detail. My list, however, was short. There are only three specific things I am looking for (I'm not picky; it doesn't take much to make me a happy camper.)

1. Loves God more than me (and everything in his life, always)
2. LOYAL! to our family and to God, no matter what
3. Honest with me, always, even if the truth hurts or is unpleasant (omission is still lying!)

Another light bulb popped on. I can't think of a single person who fits my criteria. I refuse to settle for two out of three when I know God is planning something (someone) really, really great for me. I'm going to wait. I'm going to let my Heavenly Father finish what He started. I'm going to let go and let God write the rest of my love story. After all, only He knows my perfect ending.