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Did I just hear all you singles groan out there? Yeah, me too. Tis the season to be together, except when you're not. I get it. Everything about the next few weeks says we should be a part of a couple. The beautiful weather breathes romance into our single little hearts. Hallmark makes a killin reminding us what love looks like this time of year. [Trust me, I'm not knocking Hallmark movies. I am the girl planted in front of the tv every Saturday and Sunday night waiting for Jack and Jill to realize they belong together. Yep, no criticism here. Now, don't judge me.] There is something about the way the Christmas lights twinkle and the fireplace crackles that reminds us we are alone. Not to mention the family gatherings that leave us wondering if somehow being single makes us aliens. Have I said, "I get it"?
I do get it. I struggle with this time of year, and yet, I love it so stinkin' much! I'm a romantic. You know this. Bring on the seasonal festivities. I'm in heaven. I just don't want to be alone. You too?
But God. There is always a "but God". And I'm thankful.
We may be earnestly desiring to be obedient and holy. But we may be missing the fact that it is here, where we happen to be at this moment and not in another place or another time, that we may lean to love Him-- here where it seems He is not at work, where His will seems obscure or frightening, where He is not doing what we expect Him to do, where He is most absent. Here and nowhere else is the appointed place. If faith does not go to work here, it will not go to work at all. ~ Elizabeth Elliot (Loneliness, pg. 22)
Ladies and gents, this is where are faith is challenged, strengthened, and refined. Right here. If faith does not go to work here, it will not go to work at all. Can we embrace our singleness for what it is: alone(ness) with God? Can we fall in love with Him here, even if we fear a life of singleness? Can we watch Christmas love stories knowing that our hearts belong to the greatest story writer of all?
It's hard, folks, but God's will never begins with a gold band. It's in motion long before the "I do"s. Your days are ordained. Get it? The greatest writer of all times has already written your story. Not to over simplify, but like with any good story, we'll laugh, we'll cry, but we'll walk away satisfied.
Carry the desires of your hearts to His feet. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:8).
Taking the Holidays by storm with you!
4 comments:
Thank you for posting this, I really struggle this time of year with "aloneness", not just because of being single, but being far away from my family as well.
Oh to Hallmark movie channel! How my mom and I also love watching them. But it is a time to remember the real Reason for the Season- Jesus. I'm hanging in there with you on this. The best is yet to be.
GIRL! I was JUST praying about this today! (Also, I have Psalm 62:8 framed on my nightstand. Favorite.) It's really hard for me to understand why there are so many legit Christians in our generation who God is choosing to keep single, often into the late 20s and even 30s. In my mind it seems like with all the broken families around, He would want us to be setting a good example or something. But He is sovereign and His ways are not ours! Anyway, I'm so glad you're reading Loneliness -- isn't it good stuff? Thank you again for sharing, your posts always encourage me!
Rebecca, you are so right. "Aloneness" is so much more than being single. Praying this year is not quite so alone for you!
Amy, you know I like some Hallmark channel! ;) And this season is definitely about more than the romance portrayed on tv.
Becca, very true. I'll raise my hand to volunteer. lol...Girl, I love that book. I've been rereading because this season is hard.
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