I've struggled with being single (I like to think that I'm content, but that's a complete lie). I'm not even that old! I shouldn't feel this way (right?). This past April I got the honor of standing up in my best friend's wedding. While this was an absolute joyful experience, I couldn't help but feeling left out of this "love game" (there's a little plug for Lady Gaga). I see them together, my sister and her husband, and my parents, and can't help but wonder - when's it my turn?
I've recently read a book called Lady in Waiting: Becoming God's Best While Waiting for Mr. Right by Jackie Kendall & Debby Jones. Now, I highly recommend this book for all my fellow single gals out there (and you married ones too!). It challenged the way I thought about myself, God and my relationship status (or lackthereof). Above all that I've gotten out of this book, the most encouraging idea is the advantage that we, as singles have. If we honestly think about it (and sometimes we don't want to admit it), we have so much more time to dive into God's word and praise Him -- compared to a busy wife and mother, juggling a job, three kids, a husband and a household. The Apostle Paul preaches the benefits to the single life, saying exactly that; we have more time for the Lord's affairs. Singleness is a gift - the choice is, do we CHOOSE to see it that way or as a pity party?
This is something that I definitely struggle with on a daily basis. I find it difficult to choose joy while being alone, especially when people around me are so happy in their relationships.
I've recently read a book called Lady in Waiting: Becoming God's Best While Waiting for Mr. Right by Jackie Kendall & Debby Jones. Now, I highly recommend this book for all my fellow single gals out there (and you married ones too!). It challenged the way I thought about myself, God and my relationship status (or lackthereof). Above all that I've gotten out of this book, the most encouraging idea is the advantage that we, as singles have. If we honestly think about it (and sometimes we don't want to admit it), we have so much more time to dive into God's word and praise Him -- compared to a busy wife and mother, juggling a job, three kids, a husband and a household. The Apostle Paul preaches the benefits to the single life, saying exactly that; we have more time for the Lord's affairs. Singleness is a gift - the choice is, do we CHOOSE to see it that way or as a pity party?
This is something that I definitely struggle with on a daily basis. I find it difficult to choose joy while being alone, especially when people around me are so happy in their relationships.
How do you cope? Do you see singleness as a gift?
That's a really interesting point of view. I've never thought about singleness as a gift before.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing, Brooke. How do I cope? By throwing my all into everything I do (so that I don't have time to think about it?!!). And because I know that my identity as a person and woman lies in Christ. I don't know if I would say I see "singleness" as a gift, but I do see it as the way I am called to serve and worship God.
ReplyDelete-Amy
I hear you. Thanks for the book reccomendation. Having said that, it is also extremely challenging to be in a relationship - at least I thought so - and the couples we see as "being so happy together" sometimes aren't exactly where we think they are. People often have to work REALLY hard to maintain their relationships, I think. It is really a blessing and an adventure to be single. I still long for a special other half myself, but the Lord is ALWAYS enough.
ReplyDelete-Lisa Carpani