Home > Singles > Talk Amongst Yourselves
We're thankful for …
Single readers share what they're most thankful for this year.
November 27, 2002
… turning 35 this Thanksgiving day and being still single. I'm thankful for this because I've learned so much from my Christian friends who are married. I enjoy their joy. It's weird; at first I was jealous, but now I'm able to share my life with them and not feel like an outsider. I don't believe I would have learned so much about myself if I'd been married by this point in my life.
… the time to work in my church and in Young Life ministry without worrying about neglecting my family.
… my own home. It gives my son a deep sense of security and stability.
… a deeper relationship with the Lord, as I've learned to depend on him to meet my every need, including filling my heart with joy and contentment as I wait on the one he has in store for me. I'm thankful for deliverance from coveting a relationship and all the behavior that goes along with that, for God has changed my mindset concerning relationships and what is really important, and has shown me the need to truly put him first — to remember my first love — in all I do. As a result, my single life has come to be one of excitement, growth, and a lot of fun.
… no one to tell me they don't like what I choose to cook for dinner.
… the ability to see what I want at the movies and be with whom I want without worrying about whether my spouse will enjoy the flick or the people I'm with.
… my time with Jesus — no matter where I go or what I do, we're always chatting away like two old friends.
… solitude.
… the fact that I'm blessed and highly favored.
… God's grace, and that my feelings of emptiness and loneliness are replaced with Christ's presence (whenever I let him in), and that God has shown me how to find contentment and joy in my heart without looking to a make to fulfill those needs.
… extra time to give to my nieces and nephews.
… I can sprawl in my bed, and I don't have to worry about being awakened by snoring — except for my dog (hee hee).
… the proliferation of books, articles, and websites on single living that have been made available in the last couple years. All of this material is not only personally encouraging, but validating for all those who have chosen a single-focused lifestyle.
… not having to wait my turn for the bathroom.
… only having to clean up after myself.
… the chances I've had to live and travel around the world.
… the ability to go home after work, not answer to anyone, just be able to kick back on the sofa and do whatever I please — whether that's watch a movie at 5:00pm, eat potato chips for supper, let the answering machine pick up the phone, put on my mismatched sweat clothes, pull my hair up in all different directions, put on my favorite old slippers, and give myself a massage with my handy massager. And, of course, I love that I can spend hours in the evening talking to God, reading my Bible, and reading a great Christian book.
… the time to sleep in on Saturdays to catch up and get energy to go out in the world!
… having the remote control all to myself!
… the woman who will be my wife in less than a year. She's the answer to my prayers.
… the need to rely on the Lord as my groom.
… being able to sleep right in the middle of my double bed, sleep late without feeling guilty that I should be making someone breakfast, eat popcorn for dinner if I want, spontaneously go out to dinner with my friends without having to call anyone for permission, that God is preparing someone special for me — and that God is preparing me too.
… the fact that the closet's all mine.
… the ability to decide what the thermostat should be set on in the house. Ditto the car.
… time to get to know Jesus as my Lord, my comforter, my strength, and my provider. I just began my walk with Jesus two years ago. If I had a husband and family, my attention would be divided. God's love is so amazing!
… Christian friends who encourage and sharpen me, that this community pulls together when there is a need, that God knows what is best for me and his will can't be thwarted, for the godly family examples I get to see and interact with, for my completion in Christ — just as I am.
… the fact that the toilet seat is always down!
… the fact that the money in my checkbook is all mine.
… not as many dishes or clothes to wash.
… my freedom — not just the freedom to come and go as I please without having to run it past a spouse for approval, but the freedom to minister, to travel on weekends to visit and encourage friends all over the country; to have a literal open-door policy at my home where friends are encouraged to drop in any time of the day or night, to open my home to other single women who are in need of a place to stay for a while, to take the children of my married friend for an evening so she can enjoy an evening alone with her husband. The list could go on and on. I'm also grateful that the God of the universe has chosen — at least for this season of my life — to keep me all to himself. What a privilege!
We welcome your feedback and brainstorms at: SinglesNewsletter@ChristianityToday.com
Sign up for the Singles Newsletter and receive a new article plus community updates in your inbox every other week!
Copyright © 2002 ChristianityToday.com
|
 |
|
|
eHarmony is a completely new way to build a relationship. We turn the process around, so you learn about people from the inside-out before you get involved.
Falling in love still takes chemistry, but eHarmony gives you the confidence to take the first step, knowing that you and your matches are truly compatible for the long-run.
Only eHarmony creates matches based on 29 proven dimensions of compatibility and over 30 years of relationship expertise. Combining this knowledge and experience with our commitment to personal care ensures that eHarmony will work for you.
|
|
|
|
| 
