Last week I began this series on relationships, and will be writing about this topic for a few weeks. If you live for any period of time, you will be in a relationship of some kind. Newborn babies are in a relationship with their parents, even if they don’t know it. Children are in relationships with their daycare and preschool providers. The elderly is in a relationship with their caregivers. Life is a confluence of relationships, and relationships do matter.
Today’s blog focuses on those who are considered to be Single. A Single person is typically an adult who is not married, divorced, a widow or widower. People across the globe fit this relationship designation; and single people are just as important to society as any other group. But depending on your age and life’s circumstances, being single has its share of pressures.
First, from yourself: your own desire to be in a relationship. Having someone to share your love, your laughter, and your life with is not a bad thing. Yet singles are finding it not so easy to “tie the knot” these days. Many singles are putting professional advancement before marriage, being comfortable getting married later in life. For others, it may be the “checklist” that’s making it difficult to find “Mr. or Mrs. Right.” It’s perfectly okay to have high expectations of the one you’re hoping for. But be open and willing to compromise; and sometimes, compromise begins with the selection process!
Next, there can be pressures from your family who often has their own expectations of you. Singles are often asked by family members about their relationship status, pursuits, etc. Some parents act like grandkids are better, so they would like to have some now. That’s real pressure for their single and married children!
Then, societal perceptions tend to put your life’s activities in certain time slots and order: Get an education, find a job, start a family, etc. Some of the pressures in society comes from the Church. Christians are taught to be faithful in marriage and celibate in singlehood. Christians have to grapple with the tensions of celibacy and faithfulness, the norms of society, and the desires of their flesh. Pressure!
But as the Bible says, there is nothing new under the sun; and what has been done, will (or can) be done again. There were single people in biblical times, and some of them are well known. The apostle Paul was never married, and he planted churches, mentored many, and wrote many of the books in the New Testament. Naomi was widowed and demonstrated great faith in very difficult times. She mentored Ruth who would marry into the lineage of Jesus Christ!
Mother Teresa chose a life of celibacy and singlehood, and her impact on humanity will be a part of history for generations to come. Russell Wilson, the superstar quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks, remained celibate until he married his superstar wife, Ciara. And there are other single persons who are living in their reality, and doing so with dignity, grace, and fulfilment. It is possible to be single, saved, successful, and satisfied. Persons in this category are incredible!
Wisdom for Your Week
Whatever your relationship status, strive to be successful and satisfied.
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