You think this season is setting you back.

Your future self — and God — both want you to know it’s actually building you into someone you haven’t met yet.

Future You: She thinks this season is ruining her.

God: I know. But it’s actually rebuilding her.

Tell her she discovers that being loved well feels different than being loved unpredictably.

– Jacqueline Whitney

Future You: She can’t see that yet.

God: Not yet. Right now all she can see is what’s leaving. What feels uncertain. What hasn’t happened yet. She thinks growth is supposed to feel inspiring all the time, but sometimes growth just feels uncomfortable. Sometimes it feels like grieving the version of yourself you can no longer be.

Future You: Tell her she’s going to understand this season one day.

God: She worries she’s falling behind.

Future You: I remember. But she’s not behind. She’s becoming someone more rooted. More discerning. More honest about what she deserves. The waiting is changing her in important ways.

God: What should I tell her about love?

Future You: Tell her she eventually stops confusing inconsistency with chemistry. Tell her she learns that peace is not boredom. Tell her she discovers that being loved well feels different than being loved unpredictably.

God: She still thinks she has to earn softness.

Future You: I know. But one day she’s going to realize that love was never supposed to feel like survival.

Jacqueline Whitney is the author Held: A 50 Day Devotional For Parents and All That You Deserve.