Let’s say the quiet part out loud: a lot of us are grieving a version of ourselves that never showed up.
You thought you’d be further along by now. More certain. More stable. More impressive. You pictured a life that made sense in straight lines—and instead you got detours, delays, and a résumé full of character development.
That gap between who you thought you’d be and who you actually are? That’s where shame likes to set up camp. It whispers that you wasted time, missed God’s will, or somehow broke the timeline everyone else seems to be following.
Here’s the barely-Adventist truth: God has never operated on your five-year plan. Or your parents’. Or LinkedIn’s.
Scripture is basically a highlight reel of people who were “late,” “off track,” or actively failing when God showed up and said, “Perfect. Now we can start.” Abraham was old. Moses was hiding. David was forgotten. Jesus spent thirty years being wildly unimpressive by productivity standards.
You didn’t fall behind. You were being formed.
Shame says, “You should be more by now.” Grace says, “You are exactly who I’m working with.”
The story you’re in might not be the one you would’ve chosen—but that doesn’t make it lesser. It makes it honest. And God seems deeply committed to working with honest material.
So loosen your grip on the imaginary timeline. Mourn it if you need to. Then release it.
You are not a disappointment.
You are not late to your own life.
And the future hasn’t quietly closed its doors.
It’s still unfolding—and God is not stressed about your pace.
❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
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