More of You

I have a hard time reading my Bible consistently. It's never been my strongpoint. I have to make myself get into a routine of reading it, but if I miss a day, it goes south fast. 

Confession time... 

I haven't been doing my quiet time for the last few weeks. It just happened. At first, I didn't notice any changes. But recently, I realized that I was acting and thinking differently. It wasn't an outward rebellion. Nothing was obviously amiss. What was happening was a heart issue and it crept in gradually. Not only was I not reading my Bible, but I was hardly spending anytime with God. I was praying less and rapidly putting a wedge between Jesus and myself. I was a "Sunday" Christian and I didn't even realize it. 

Thinking back over the last few weeks/days, I can see where I would let things happen that I normally wouldn't have stood. Every once in a while, I was saying and doing things that were not me. I wasn't spending anytime with Jesus and it was making me less like Him. Sometimes I’m searching for something; whether it is entertainment, people or activities to fill a void that I think I have. In reality, anything that I am looking for is never going to satisfy. Only Christ can. He is what I need. The things of the world are tempting; and we are constantly hearing that "if we just have this or achieve that, then we’ll be happy"… But they are never enough. 

Mark 8:36 says, “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?” I do not want to spend my time seeking the things of the world. The outcome separates me from my Savior. Yes, I am in the world and I love a lot of things about it. I watch movies and TV; read books; wear up to date clothing; and that is fine. Nothing wrong with enjoying those things. It's when they become more important then Jesus. If I notice that my relationship with Christ is suffering; I have a bad attitude; or I’m watching something I shouldn't be; it's usually a sign that I need to do a spiritual checkup. 


It's not hard to cross boundaries. I can easily become desensitized to things I watch, see or do. It is a daily struggle. We are in a world of easy access distractions. Thankfully, we have a God Who is not only forgiving but patient! 

Even though I am disappointed with myself for the way I’ve been acting, I am also encouraged. I am encouraged because I realized it. I knew something was off. It proves to me that I am still willing to let the Holy Spirit work in my life...  and there is a lot of work to do! Just like Christian in Pilgrim's Progress, I stray from the path and make many mistakes. But, Jesus is with me every step of the way; showing me where to go. I only have to follow Him. 

  

It's Okay to be Single.

Have you noticed that everywhere you look there seems to be, well... couples? Even down to a very young age there are relationships going on. Don’t get me wrong, they can work. I know several people who dated all through high-school and then got married. But, so many are dating a different person every few months. You would think that it would seem weird, but instead, it’s almost expected. Facebook is always lit up with "so an so's" new relationship; and then the next day they are talking about their broken heart.  

We live in a dating focused world. And if you are not dating, you're strange... or people start imagining things. For example: You talk to a boy at the grocery store; someone sees you; and suddenly you’re dating! Sadly, that is not very far from the truth. I guess it's impossible for someone to be single and okay about it.

If I’m honest, dating is not really on my mind right now. I don’t feel a need to constantly think about or seek out a relationship. What’s the rush? I’m only 20! Sure every once in a while I wonder who and when it might be. But, I am content with my singleness and my other relationships right now. My friends are a wonderful part of my life. Some of them are guys and I am very happy to have them as friends. I think you can miss out on meaningful (friend) relationships by trying to put a romantic spin on it.

To be clear, I am not against dating. And, I’m not saying that you can’t have a crush on one of your friends. It happens. I’m just saying, that you don’t have to be in a hurry. Enjoy your singleness. As a Christian girl, I need to grow in my relationship with Jesus above everything else. Constantly thinking about a boyfriend isn’t going to help get that achieved. I have to be right with my relationship with Jesus before I can ever be right with someone else. A boyfriend isn’t going to fix my problems, make me feel better about myself, or give me some kind of badge of honour.  

God’s timing is perfect. My timing is not. And since He’s got it all under control, why shouldn’t I enjoy and use the time of being single that He has given me? Time that I can use to serve Him wholeheartedly and be with friends and family. I guess what I’m trying to express is that it’s okay to be single. Try not to look at it as a negative. Don't stress about it and grow closer to Christ.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! -1 Chronicles 16:11