The Beauty in Being Single

The other day I had the very surreal realization that I am now at that age. You know the one: when it seems like everyone around you is getting engaged or married or having babies. I used to think that season would be really far ahead for me- that I wouldn’t be seeing it all over my social media feeds until I was at least 25. But it’s happening already (seriously, it seems like it’s everywhere) and it’s so very strange sometimes.

In the past, maybe I would have felt a twinge of jealousy over it, or at least a longing to also be living through those things. But I don’t. At least not right now. I am confident that being single is where I am supposed to be, and that there is so much to enjoy about it.

That being said, I am also of course a girl and in my twenties and so the thought of romance doesn’t always sound like the worst thing in the world, if you know what I mean. But Jesus has been teaching me how our desire for romance is so well fulfilled by Him. No one- no man or woman- can fulfill that desire to be loved and spoken to with kindness and understanding the way he can. And there is probably no better time in life to learn this. I know I would rather understand it now than after I get into a relationship and put all my idealistic expectations on an imperfect human being. I would rather learn to truly love God now, when I can give him my undivided attention, than when I am being pulled apart by the pressures of life and a family.

Of course, it is never too late to learn to love Jesus or gain a true understanding of his love. Relationships can certainly help us better understand his grace. But learning all this when you’re single is such a special treasure- the opportunity to build a foundation that will affect the rest of your life.

So the way I look at it, being single is so much more than a waiting season. It’s an invitation to walk with the One who can speak so tenderly to our hearts. It’s a privilege, to learn to love and be loved by the One who does it best before we attempt to do the same with anyone else. And I certainly don’t want to waste it.

Don’t let anyone make you feel like your season of singleness makes you a failure, or like you should rush ahead to the next phase of your life. Relish in these moments. Soak in the treasure that you’ve got now, the amazing opportunity to fully focus on Him. God has a way of bringing things to us when we’re ready for them. There is no need to fret, because worrying won’t add anything good to your life anyway.

But taking advantage of the opportunity to get to know Jesus- that will. That always does.

#christian #2015