There are two ideas that seem to be most prevalent when it comes to understanding the value of the single life. The first one is that it is a privileged and self-chosen lifestyle to achieve absolute freedom, independence and empowerment.
Though I'm married, now approaching 37 years, I yet find that I can apply what you've said here to an upcoming transition: our son (our only child) is finishing homeschooling in a few weeks and heads off to college in August. My wife and I are actively exploring what we'll be doing with the time and energy that that change of relationship will release--abd service and deepening our devotional lives is part of that. So, what you've written here isn't applicable only to singles....
Thank you for this, Kiran. We do share something in common when it comes to our relationships and devoting our lives to God. It helps to know that we are not alone in facing the challenges and opportunities we are given in life. God bless you and your family!
Absolutely. I've seen that firsthand as I've lived in a spiritual community for almost 30 years now, alongside singles, married couples (with or without children), and people who have taken formal vows of renunciation (which includes both singles and celibate couples). And our shared dedication to God, in whatever form it takes, is the foundation of it all. As it says at the opening of our guidelines for member, " We have come together as a spiritual community. Our primary purpose is to find God through meditation, and by service to God through our fellowman."
This is a really great post. I don't think I'm necessarily called to the single life but I am single! It does resonate with my life recently. I was the only one out of a family with 71 grandchildren who had the time to help my Nonno and Nonna with their health problems. I also helped take care of their older friends. Basically I was on call, ready to help anyone because I didn't have a job and was single.
I had some great times with them and although years went by without getting a girlfriend or a job, I was able to prolong the life of people I love and help others out. Now I have a job and I get to be with my Nonna and her friend.
It is true about the loneliness. It made me realize that loneliness isn't that bad. It's almost like being bored. You should be lonely and bored sometimes because the alternative is running around like your hair's on fire.
Also if you can't have fun being single then:
1. No one will want to go out with you.
2. You're not going to have fun when you're married.
Thank you for sharing this, Mike! Reading about your experience is very helpful and encouraging for me and for others who can relate with the single life and its challenges. Before my grandma died, we were able to spend time with her. As a single person, I was very grateful for the opportunity to have spent that period of time with her. These days, I have the time to spend with my mother and other family members including my nephews. For every challenge that God allows us to face, there is indeed an accompanying grace. God bless you!
Though I'm married, now approaching 37 years, I yet find that I can apply what you've said here to an upcoming transition: our son (our only child) is finishing homeschooling in a few weeks and heads off to college in August. My wife and I are actively exploring what we'll be doing with the time and energy that that change of relationship will release--abd service and deepening our devotional lives is part of that. So, what you've written here isn't applicable only to singles....
Thank you for this, Kiran. We do share something in common when it comes to our relationships and devoting our lives to God. It helps to know that we are not alone in facing the challenges and opportunities we are given in life. God bless you and your family!
Absolutely. I've seen that firsthand as I've lived in a spiritual community for almost 30 years now, alongside singles, married couples (with or without children), and people who have taken formal vows of renunciation (which includes both singles and celibate couples). And our shared dedication to God, in whatever form it takes, is the foundation of it all. As it says at the opening of our guidelines for member, " We have come together as a spiritual community. Our primary purpose is to find God through meditation, and by service to God through our fellowman."
This is a really great post. I don't think I'm necessarily called to the single life but I am single! It does resonate with my life recently. I was the only one out of a family with 71 grandchildren who had the time to help my Nonno and Nonna with their health problems. I also helped take care of their older friends. Basically I was on call, ready to help anyone because I didn't have a job and was single.
I had some great times with them and although years went by without getting a girlfriend or a job, I was able to prolong the life of people I love and help others out. Now I have a job and I get to be with my Nonna and her friend.
It is true about the loneliness. It made me realize that loneliness isn't that bad. It's almost like being bored. You should be lonely and bored sometimes because the alternative is running around like your hair's on fire.
Also if you can't have fun being single then:
1. No one will want to go out with you.
2. You're not going to have fun when you're married.
Thank you for sharing this, Mike! Reading about your experience is very helpful and encouraging for me and for others who can relate with the single life and its challenges. Before my grandma died, we were able to spend time with her. As a single person, I was very grateful for the opportunity to have spent that period of time with her. These days, I have the time to spend with my mother and other family members including my nephews. For every challenge that God allows us to face, there is indeed an accompanying grace. God bless you!