For What It's Worth

I need to repent of whining. I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about. Singleness. Whiney singles... you might have actually been one at some point, or maybe you are one right now. That type of single person-the kind that is distraught at their lack of a spouse, coveting other women's babies, crying from sadness at weddings, frantically visiting every singles group in the area-becoming that type of person is the only reason singleness has ever been terrifying to me. You can get used to living alone, cooking for one, spending your time in other ways than family... that part of singleness isn't scary. It's the part that tends to create joyless, despondent people that's scary. I've orbited in and out of that mentality for a while.

But, for the record, the Lord has been kind to me in all his acts towards me. He has blessed me beyond anything I'd have had the wisdom to ask for. He has watched and protected and kept and guarded and fought for me, all along. I have never been more aware of that than over the last several months... yet, I think I do tend to whine and whimper when I feel like I have a sympathetic ear. If you have had to be that sympathetic ear, please take this post as my sincere apology. Let it be known, the Lord is faithful to me in abundance every day. Next time I whine, remind me of that.

Being freed up to do lots of neat things is a plus side to being single (I don't mean tinkering with dozens of hobbies, having a mass of friends to hang out with, or spending inordinate amounts of time at the gym... I mean serving.) But, that isn't the end joy of being single. The gospel--the finished, astounding work of Christ on the Cross--that gives joy to everything. I don't know how, but the longer I dwell on the gospel, the more it changes everything. Everything is redeemed. Everything is new. Everything is unto the Lord. Joy when the trees change, joy when it's late and kinda spooky, joy when finances are tight, joy helping the homeless with their homework, joy to run, joy to wait, joy to pray... every situation is the opportunity to find Christ more satisfying and God most faithful. He gives such specific, intimate promises that meet every need, and satisfy every desire.

Next time I start to get that tone of "woe is me"... tell me that the gospel changed everything.

"For the Lord loves justice; he will not forsake his saints. They are preserved forever..." Psalm 37:28