I was listening to a radio program recently and the radio host asked what is the most important decision you will ever make in life? Interestingly, it wasn’t career, nor where you would live, it was who you would marry.
Finding the right person to marry is difficult. We are living in a society where promiscuity and cohabitation is acceptable and considered the norm. Many young people do not practice their faith, or some just go to mass at Christmas and Easter time. It can be very disheartening for a young Catholic who knows their vocation is marriage to find the right person.
So many times, we settle for things in life, but this is the one area we just cannot settle. Know exactly what you are looking for in a future husband or wife. What sort of qualities and virtues should they have? For example; he/she should be kind, generous with their time, has a good faith life, knows who they are as a son or daughter of God, etc. If you don’t know what you are looking for how will you know when you have found it? The right person will always lead you closer to God and bring out the best in you.
Keep your eyes on Jesus always and keep striving to be the daughter or son God wants you to be. Use your time of being single to develop skills, hobbies, friendships, get involved in your local parish and local youth groups. Volunteer your time and skills to those who really need your help. God has a plan for your life, and he will bring the right person at the right time for you to marry. Trust in his love and mercy and never doubt in his goodness. In the words of Sarah Swafford, “become the man or woman of YOUR dreams, and you’ll attract the man or woman of your dreams.”
I prayed for over seven years for my future spouse and now I’m engaged to a wonderful man of God and preparing for marriage. God DOES listen to the desires of our hearts and he WILL answer your prayer. It might not be when you want it answered or the way you want it answered but it will always be for your greater good.
Pray for your future spouse every day as they need your prayers. Some saints to consider when praying for your future spouse is St Anne and St Raphael the archangel of happy meetings. In Dublin we have the relics of St Valentine another wonderful saint to pray to for your future spouse. Keeping praying and keep trusting in God.
