GIRL TALK

All the single ladies...all the single ladies...put your hands up!
Ok, no, I'm not going to quote the whole song; I just thought it was an appropriate beginning to this post. So...I'm single. I'm 28, and I'm single. Lately, this has been a prominent topic in my head. I've actually had trouble sleeping because it's in my head and won't go away. Sometimes I just go through these phases when it's a more primary issue than other times...now is one of those times. I'm definitely not feeling the "I'm single, and I'm proud!" emotion right now. It's more like "Ya, I'm single *cue 'wha wha' sound, then sigh*".

I recently read an article about the term "singles". It was about how that can be a derogatory term, and how we ("we" being the unmarried) should be looked upon as more than that and what the label entails. Then it says that "celibate" is a better term. I disaggree. I think "celibates" has an even bigger label to it than "singles"! Sure the term basically means obstaining from sex, but it's also looked upon as a lifelong choice...like with nuns. I am no nun, nor do I want to be. I don't know about you, but I have no intention of throwing that term around anytime soon. At church I choose the singles group over the celibate group any day. Some people feel called to celibacy, but not this chick.

Then I read a sermon about singleness, hoping it would help me out of my current fixation on my marital status...nope, it didn't. It was more about being eunuchs...no comment.

I know there are many gifts and priviledges that come with being single. I can travel to a different country for Jesus without having to worry about separation anxiety from my boyfriend or if my husband has the same calling. I am learning all about myself, the ins and outs of me. I have the opportunity of learning to lean, and practice leaning, on God for everything rather than others. There is an intimacy I can experience with my creator than may only be experienced when you are alone. I can sleep on both sides of the bed any time I want, or I don't have to clean up anyone else's excess hair!! Nonetheless...I know these things...I embrace them...I remind myself of them daily...sometimes it's just harder than others. It's one of those times.