Singleness: The dreaded gift. People joke all the time, “If singleness is a gift, what’s the return policy?” I’ve thought about this for fifteen years. One summer I read the entire single living section of the Christian bookstore where I worked. I’ve heard authors for years tell me that singleness could be a blessing. But…
All posts tagged singleness
Canoes and Kayaks
During one particularly lonely and tear-filled night, my comfort came from an unexpected phrase which kept popping up in my mind. “Everybody suffers.” You might be wondering how that is at all comforting. But, to me, it means that life is full of suffering and struggle this side of Heaven. Everyone suffers. Single or married.…
The Benefits of Marriage
I’ve determined that my grass is thoroughly green. Others help remind me of the joys in my life and some things I take for granted. Sometimes we get so focused on what we don’t have we miss what we do. We need reminders. My friends take the opportunity to remind me of the benefits of…
The Benefits of Singleness
At times, I am lonely. I see sweet, everyday interactions between spouses and I long to experience such tenderness myself. Sometimes, my longing feels overwhelming. But most of the time I think my life is pretty awesome. I have a few dear friends who help remind me of the benefits of singleness and childlessness during those…
Do You Dread Weddings?
It’s a Saturday. People everywhere are being joined in holy matrimony. Pinterest boards aside, do you dread weddings? Do they tend to remind you more of what you lack than you are able to celebrate with the new couple? I fall into this category. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a…
The Alaskan Allure
“I think he’d make a great spouse for someone… I just dont’ know who.” “Why do the awkward ones always have the most confidence?” “Where do you go to meet single boys? Where are they hiding?” These are all conversations I’ve had over the past week. I have a number of single girlfriends (we need…
Mother’s Day Woes
How was your Mother’s Day? I realized yesterday how complicated a question that truly is. We have such expectations for holidays, but we don’t live in Norman Rockwell’s paintings. Our relationships are broken, full of longing and blocked goals. How was your Mother’s Day? Do you have a good relationship with your mother? Did you…
Singleness and Bridget Jones
“I’ll finally die, fat and alone. And be found three weeks later, half eaten by wild dogs.” Ah, Bridget Jones. The woman. The legend. I know of so many women, including myself, who can relate to her doomsday singleness mentality represented above. On my best days, I enjoy my singleness, my freedom, my ability to…