What I Really Want

Changing Perspective

What I Really Want | Dawn Mann Sanders | Christian Author and Motivational Speaker | Biblical Relationship Advice

Today, I continue my summer series on relationships. Today’s article, is a reprint from our (Reggie and my) A Stitch in Time newsletter. I hope you enjoy reading today’s article whether reading for the first time or second!

“May my next boyfriend love me to distraction.” That was a prayer of mine many, many years ago. I prayed that because the guy I was dating (Greg) was routinely late and would stand me up repeatedly.

I didn’t take it personally because it wasn’t just me. Greg did the same thing with everyone, even his family. I secretly nicknamed Greg the “squeaky wheel guy” because whatever wheel squeaked in Greg’s life got his attention. If Greg was on his way to meet me and a wheel squeaked, Greg would be late—if Greg arrived at all.

That did not work well with me, so I cut Greg loose. And like any woman, I wanted the next guy to be different. Too many things distracted Greg when I wanted him to be distracted only by me. That is why I prayed that prayer—to get a man’s attention.

Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it. Click To Tweet

The next man I dated after Greg did in fact love me to distraction. So much so that he smothered me. He always wanted to be with me and rarely gave me space. I went from one extreme to the other—all in the name of getting some attention. Talk about a case of “don’t ask for what you wish for because you just might get it.”

I thought I knew what I wanted. It may have been what I wanted, but it surely was not what I needed. After that fiasco, I began praying for God to show me what to look for in a man. I obviously didn’t know what was best for me.

And God changed my perspective. Instead of looking for a man who would give me his attention, I waited for a man worthy of my attention. I began looking at a man’s character. Instead of looking for someone to meet my need for attention, I began waiting for someone who was dependable, available and had a servant’s spirit. Those are characteristics worthy of my attention.

Instead of looking for a man who would give me his attention, I waited for a man worthy of my attention.

By waiting for a man worthy of my attention, I was rewarded with the right balance of attention and space for me. Reggie gives me all the attention I want—and need. Reggie gives me space, too, to do what I love to do—like write newsletters and mentor young women.

It wouldn’t have happened without a change in perspective. I changed from looking for what I wanted to what God wanted for me. And it made all the difference. Now, I no longer fight change when God is doing it. In fact, I embrace it because when I do, God gives me what I need and what I really want.

If you enjoyed this post, check out the rest of my summer series on relationships.

Summer Series on Relationships:

Questions:

  • What are your prayers in regards to a relationship?
  • Do you pray out of your felt needs?
    • If so, what needs are you praying to have met?
    • Try praying for God to show you how you should pray in regards to your significant other.
    • When He does, pray how God is leading you.

I invite you to share your thoughts and feelings with me via social media on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

Until next time,

Dawn Mann Sanders

Cord of Blue divider | Dawn Mann Sanders | Christian Author and Motivational Speaker | Biblical Relationship Advice
7 Day Creation Email Series iphone mockup | Dawn Mann Sanders | Christian Author and Motivational Speaker | Biblical Relationship Advice

An Opportunity to Create

A Fresh & Fruitful Approach to Your Creativity

Tap into your God-given creativity by engaging creatively through this FREE 7-day devotional email series.

share the post

6-week devotional email series

Shine New Light on Your Next Beginning!

Is there a way to embark on a new beginning with a fresh perspective, greater confidence and an abundance of positive energy?
God’s answer is, “Yes.”

Reading the Bible | Dawn Mann Sanders | Christian Author and Motivational Speaker | Biblical Relationship Advice

related

On the Blog

More insights into how to align your life with God’s plan for you…

The Risks of Giving Into Temptation

The Risks of Giving Into Temptation

We want to pay attention to the more noticeable boundaries where the exceptions are more clearly defined. We also need to pay attention to the other boundaries too because they can kill you—or your hopes and dreams—too, just slower

Read More

An Opportunity to Create

A Fresh & Fruitful Approach To Your Creativity

Tap into your God-given creativity by engaging creatively through a FREE 7-day devotional email series.

6-week devotional email series

Shine New Light on Your Next Beginning!

Is there a way to embark on a new beginning with a fresh perspective, greater confidence and an abundance of positive energy? God’s answer is, “Yes.”

6-week devotional email series

Shine New Light on Your Next Beginning!

Embark on new beginnings with an abundance of positive energy through a FREE 6-week devotional email series.