This post has been on my heart for a long time, and I hope it will encourage other single women. With it just being Valentine’s Day last weekend, I felt that it was an appropriate time to share. Thanks for letting me bare my heart with you. Read on for more!

We live in a culture where most people get married at some point in their lives, typically in their 20’s or 30’s. And if you aren’t one of the ‘lucky’ ones to marry your soul mate, people may wonder why you can’t meet someone and think you are too picky, but at the same time friends will also continually assure you that Mr. Right is out there and you just have to be patient. But what if he isn’t? What if God has different plans for your life?

Over the past year, I have accepted that singleness is exactly where God wants me. And I am fully embracing it. God has given me amazing opportunities to use my singleness and my story to embrace friends and family who may be struggling, as well as investing in the lives of others. Is it easy all the time? The answer is absolutely not, but I work to enjoy and soak up every moment of it because its truly a blessing to be exactly where I am right at this moment. I choose my attitude and a perspective of love and grace knowing that someone else is in charge, and I can enjoy life exactly where I am because it’s pretty darn wonderful.

Being single can be absolutely glorious, but it can also be extremely hard at the same time. Take for example Valentine’s Day. Sure it’s a Hallmark holiday and a day of love where you can share love with anyone, but if you are single, you most likely wish for the flowers, cute card and Valentine’s Day date. This year I spent the day with my sister, and it was absolutely lovely. Again, it’s all about perspective and making the most out of each day!

I have a lot of friends that are happily married and have found their other half and are starting families or have children. Sure, it can be hard to watch because those things are a desire of my heart, yet I am overflowing with joy to be a part of their lives and meet their little ones and support them however I can in the craziness of being a parent. And relationships aren’t always sparkles and glitter—no matter where you are in life, it’s important to remember it won’t always be perfect. The saying is true that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence.

I also have a lot of friends that are single and wonder if they will ever meet Mr. Right and have a family. I’ve had many conversations over the past year with dear friends that desire to find Mr. Right and would like nothing more than to get married. The heartache is real for these women and I ache for them, but I know that God has an amazing plan in store. At the end of the day when we realize our dreams aren’t coming true right now, we need to remember that God’s plans are always better than our dreams. And being in a relationship doesn’t determine your happiness, you are in charge of determining your happiness exactly where you are.

I have also learned that as a single woman, it’s important to remind yourself that you are not defined by anyone else or your relationship status. Your worth comes from within and from Jesus Christ, who created you exactly the way you are. To anyone who may struggle with being single, I encourage you to remember that you don’t need to find your value from a relationship or anything else…know that you are valuable just for being you. And you are loved!

Last Sunday in church we sang “One Thing Remains,” and it was the perfect song for Valentine’s Day weekend. It was the reminder that God’s love is constant and always there, no matter what. We all desire acceptance and an earthly love to be fulfilled through relationships, but relationships are hard and my married friends will tell you that it’s not always a cakewalk. There will be disappointments and hurts. There are pros and cons to both sides, but at the end of the day, it’s glorious to know that there is someone whose love will never fail or run out. Ever.

One Thing Remains (Chorus)

Your love never fails, never gives up
Never runs out on me 

On and on and on and on it goes
It overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid
One thing remains

And that one thing is the love of the Lord. It’s perfect, pure and unconditional with absolutely no strings attached.

Single ladies, be encouraged because you are wonderful and beautiful, inside and out. Keep pursuing your dreams and invest in those around you. I truly believe that you can find happiness wherever you are with the right perspective and a mission to experience life.

Hugs!

xoxo,

Single and Loving Life