March 2012
It seems only appropriate that the first entry on a blog belonging to the “Ministry Coordinator for Single Women” is about singleness.
After all, I have been single for almost 15 years, so I should know something about dealing with that label if nothing else.
…..”So, you’ve been single how long?” This is said with the same inflection one uses to ask why that virus you’ve had for three weeks hasn’t gone away.
…..”So, why do you think you’re still single?” I have many witty comebacks to this….none of which I’ve ever used.
…..I’ve had well-meaning friends tell me they were worried about me, because I’m not getting any younger. Thank you?
…..I’ve had someone tell me that I was “really weird” for choosing not to date for five years when my kids were younger. Ok.
…..If I am being quizzed by a Christian the question may turn to “Do you feel called to be single?”
The truth is, being single this many years has not been my goal; following God has been.
The days have gone by and the years have accumulated while I have been living the life in front of me and learning to depend on Him for everything.
Everything.
And He has made life full, and sweet.
While I don’t feel that marriage is out of the question, until I am with someone I can share my life and faith with, I do feel called to be single – today.
It means, today, I take what I’ve been given – two incredible kids, wonderful family, friends and neighbors, and a job that I love, just to name a few blessings – and I live this life to the fullest today. Creating a home for my children that is full of joy and traditions, today. Having a career, today. Nurturing fulfilling relationships with family and friends, today. Having a church home, today. Making plans for my future, today. Cultivating interests and hobbies, today. Basically, living all of life that there is to have outside of a marriage relationship, today. And trusting God with my heart and happiness.
Honestly? I believe I live a blessed life. Our home is joyful. My life is fulfilling and full of love – from friends and family and from Him.
I think some people look at the life of a single person and see only what is obviously missing – a spouse. When in reality, “missing” a spouse isn’t a tragedy….missing out on a life with God is.
I am a mother. A sister. A daughter. A friend. A sometimes-writer-and-speaker. A child of God.
And I am single.
Not because He hasn’t blessed me, but because He has- with this life, today.
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:4
COMMENT ON IT….
What about you? How do you address others’ opinions or comments about your “single” status? (go to the top of the post and click on “comments”)