My friend Maris wrote an amazing post today over at her blog. She sent me a text message and told me to take a look at it and that she had me in mind when she wrote it. Her post was on the topic of singleness, specifically related to the sermon she heard at her church on Sunday. It was a wonderful encouragemnt to me, and at the same time, it was extremely humbling. Most of the time I think that people give me too much credit when it comes to how I deal with being single.

I am 26 and single. I don’t desire to be single. I don’t feel like God has called me to a life of singleness. But the truth of the matter is, I am single. I accepted that a long time ago. I realized that my life wasn’t going to take the turn I thought it would. I knew I wouldn’t be like the rest of my friends. What I struggle with is what I do while I’m single.

If you ask me what I want to do with my life, the simplest answer I can give is, I want to make a difference. Yes, I have goals and I have plans. But along the way I’ve learned that specific goals and plans can disappear quickly. So instead of foolishly thinking that I have a clue as to where I’m heading, my new goal is to make a difference. Yes, I want to be a school counselor. I want to adopt. I want to work in an inner city setting. But if you ask me point blank, “What are you doing NOW to make a difference?”, I wouldn’t have an answer. I try to be there for people, but most of the time I feel like I end up focusing on myself and my issues. I try to open up my home and love on people, but all too often I find excuses to be “too busy”. Too busy?

I’m at a unique place in my life right now. A place that none of my friends have been able to experience. I’m an independent adult out on my own without the responsibility of taking care of anyone else. I should be doing so much more! I should be busy working with the homeless, the sick, the less fortunate. I should work at my church more. I should invest myself in others more.

On the flip side, I should be doing things that I want to do and might never have the opportunity to do again. I want to travel more, I want to live in New York City, I want to move to Arizona, I want to get out of debt, I want to get my life straight. Why not now?

I guess what I’m saying is, while being single can be lonely and a lot of times I feel left out, I have a unique opportunity. I just need to be reminded of that every once in a while. Thank you Maris. I love you!