James, you sound like you have a very well-developed sense of who you are and what kind of life you want to lead.
I'll agree with HitmanLV on one point: for some people, the whole 'wait until you're older' bit is good advice. HitmanLV seems quite confident that he's made the right choices in his life, so he's probably one of those people.
However, his path is by no means the universal route to happiness. TonyRo76 has given another perspective in post number 16 (an excellent one, IMO).
Keep praying and keep the faith, and don't let anyone else make your choices for you :)
Yes you are exaclty right. If I felt, for example, that I found a good woman that I wanted to share my life with 6 years ago, for example, I would have asked her to marry me. Then it would be up to her. I wouldn't hesitate because of some sense of timing I set in my mind.
There is no roadmap, there is no exact formula, there is no set schedule. Keep options open and be smart.
You gave excellent advice.