Just hold on—there's always more

A good quote and a quiet moment of thought are two of my favorite ways to spend time. There’s something powerful about pausing long enough to let words sink in and shape the way I see the world.

Recently, I came across a quote from Jim Rohn that made me reflect—not only on where I am in life, but on where I hope to be. Both are pleasant thoughts, yet I can’t shake the belief that there’s still more ahead—things unseen, still in the works, waiting for the right time to unfold.

I know I could stand to be more grateful. The truth is, moments of genuine gratitude have shifted my mindset before. Why? Because being thankful helps us remember the “why” behind our lives, not just the “what.”

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Not in some things. Not only when life is easy. In everything.

There’s a season of my life I thought I’d talk about more often, yet it only comes up occasionally. When I was single, I was sure that once I met my person, I’d openly share about that season before. I imagined someone out there—someone drowning in the same doom, gloom, and despair I once felt—might find comfort in knowing they weren’t alone.

Back then, I often felt like I had to search for something to be thankful for, failing to see there was always something within reach. God hadn’t placed the desire for a relationship on my heart during high school. I never dated or tried to “be seen.” My focus was on my education, and I was convinced dating would only complicate my future.

But after graduation, a longing began to stir. I wanted someone to share my interests with, someone to spend time with, someone to share my faith with.

The latter half of 2019, all of 2020, and most of 2021 were hard years. I prayed, I cried, and I questioned what the Lord had planned for me. There were moments of disappointment, until something finally changed: I chose to be thankful for what I had, even while longing for what I didn’t yet see.

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

Trouble is guaranteed in this life, but so is His victory over it. I had to sit with my feelings, learn from them, and let my faith grow in the process. That’s what brought me back to Rohn’s quote.

Being present and thankful for what you have—even as you work toward what you hope for—grounds you. My late Aunt Michelle once told me that all great things take time and total surrender. She was right. Impatience mixed with desire is a storm waiting to happen, and storms have a way of clouding the vision God has for you.

I had to learn that surrender is part of the journey. Once I did, the pieces started coming together. Weeks after my aunt’s passing in September 2021, my wife and I began dating. Looking back, it’s clear that God was answering prayers we had both been praying for a long time.

Even now, I remind myself daily to stay thankful for the blessings I have, even as I envision the future I hope for. I still wrestle with impatience sometimes, but the lessons from that season keep me grounded—in faith, in gratitude, and in trust that God’s timing is always perfect.