The Pleasures of Singleness

Randomness: I just found this article I wrote a couple of years ago in my Christian journalism class and submitted to a magazine. It didn't get published but I still enjoyed writing it. I know it's seems super long but I hope you read it and enjoy it!

The Pleasures of Singleness

An entire day spent with the Lord.

I awake to the brightness of the sun glaring off my white walls. I open my eyes and thank God for another day. Even though I woke up alone in a cozy queen-sized bed, I refuse to feel sad because I have the pleasure to spend another day with my heavenly Father. I place my feet on the floor and begin to thank God for my legs moving without any extra effort, the soundness of my mind, the beating of my heart, the delight I have in Him, and the multitude of loving friends and family I have. Stretching my hands over my head, I do a little dance because the Creator of the universe loves me.

            Heading to my bathroom, I turn back to open the window blinds and celebrate God for His exquisite creation. Inside, I pick up my hot pink and green knitted washcloth to wash my face. I look at my reflection and applaud God for the brightness of my eyes and chuckle at my once-smooth round face.  After brushing my teeth, I smile and tell God how awesome this day will turn out. I think of Him smiling back at me and my grin grows even wider.

            I leave the bathroom to retrieve my quiet time materials. Sitting on the couch, I lean my head back and close my eyes, thinking of my precious Savior. The reality of this moment hits me. I have a relationship with my Creator, the Creator of the world. And He wants to spend time with me. I dwell on that thought as tears come to my eyes. Just thinking of this privilege causes me to rejoice. I feel like the most blessed woman in the world and my day has yet to start.

            While opening my Bible and pouring over the Scriptures, the most amazing part of my day has begun. I feel overwhelmed by the beauty of God’s Word. Each word penetrates to the deepest parts of my heart as God directly speaks to me. He knows my yearning for Him and fulfills that need.        

I end in prayer and progress towards the kitchen to eat a yummy bowl of Honeycombs. Praising God for cereal, my ideal morning meal, I dig in. After breakfast I return to my bedroom and rummage through the closet, looking for the perfect outfit to wear on this radiant sunny day. I pause for a moment and consult with the Person who has the most impeccable taste. Together we pick out a green cardigan with a soft white shirt to go underneath. Since I work with children, a pair of comfy jeans and flats to match will do. In the shower, I belt out my favorite song at the moment- Shout to the Lord by Darlene Zschech. And indeed my singing sounds more like shouting. But God finds my voice breathtaking so I sing even louder.

            I finish shouting and get dressed. I bring everything I need for the workday and thank God for my job and the opportunity I have to serve these children. Outside, the breeze feels cool and the sun shines at the perfect angle. I walk to my 1994 Honda Accord and thank God for this beauty that happens to need a paint job. Then I crank up my car and give it a high-five for another day running.

As I drive to work in silence, I use this time to pray for the kids that I minister to. I pray that God loves them through me and I serve them well through the power of the Holy Spirit. At work I love on the kids in ways inhumanly possible when working with children. I hug, listen to, discipline lovingly, counsel, and have fun with them until the time comes to leave. This time with the kids reminds me of my relationship with God as His daughter.  

On the way home, I decide to stop at one of my favorite places because of its array of colorful flowers. I take the time to admire each flower and imagine what God could have been thinking when He created this flower. The cup shape of the tulip, the beaming colors of the poppies, the captivating red color of the geranium flowers all reveal the creativity of my God. I appreciate each unique design and praise God for His creation once again. I sit for a moment and watch a squirrel digging through the dirt for his evening meal. I laugh at this scene and gaze in wonder at this creature also created by God. Over on a nearby tree a line of ants are trailing up the tree. This inspires me to thank God for the little things in my life.

I arrive home and thank God for an exciting day with the kids, acknowledging that His presence surrounded me all day. I cook a delicious spaghetti dinner and dine with the Lord. I recap my day with Him and laugh at all the funny things the kids did that day. Then I settle on the couch and pop in House Guest. We crack up at Sinbad and I cherish this moment.

As my eyelids grow heavy, I walk to my bedroom and get dressed in my comfy green pajamas with pink flowers. I crawl into my bed exhausted yet ecstatic as my eyelids began to fall. I spent an entire day with my Father. This day will never happen again but I know the next day will be even better. Nothing can compare to a day spent with God. 

My single life may give the impression of loneliness but when I appreciate the One who lives with me, I feel satisfied with just me and Him.