As an administrator at a charter school, the length of my summer vacation always catches people by surprise. I am happy to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my month off and that I am back at work rested and pumped. My short summer vacation looked a little different this year. Due to the current state of the world, I did not get to spend time on the beach. I didn't explore Atlanta with my niece, or visit Oklahoma to play with my Goddaughter. Instead, I spent some much needed time with my mom and siblings. It is always interesting to be around my younger sister, because she often points out that I am not getting any younger and I need to get a man and have a kid. I was a little offended this time because I am very aware that I am knocking on 30's door (YIKES). But then I realized, I have been single for almost 3 years!
It is hard to believe that I have not been in a relationship since 2017. It's also hard to believe that people assume that I am lonely and miserable during this pandemic because I don't have someone physically with me on a consistent basis. I am so happy to say that this couldn't be further from the truth! Married people tell me all the time to appreciate my singleness because there is a lot of compromise and sacrifice that comes with having a partner. While I did struggle with the quarantine life when it initially began, which I talk about in an earlier blog post, I have been far from miserable. I've been able to write, and rest, and play The Sims 4 until I pass out. I have been able to pick up and fly to New York with less than 24 hour notice. I've read several books that I had been putting off, and I have gotten some incredible quality time with my friends that I hadn't been able to enjoy with all the foolery going on in the world. I am in no way saying that when you are in a relationship, that you can't do all of these things. What I am saying, I have enjoyed being able to be selfish and just focus on me, my relationship with God, my mental health, and that misery has not been my portion. I am thankful that I have been joyful, and able to reflect on the areas of my life that still need growth.
I want to encourage all of my single friends as we are seeing the world open back up (and possibly close again). This does not have to be a time of sulking. This does not have to be a time where you are petitioning God because you're lonely. Instead, petition God to make you more holy. Ask how you can be a better disciple, a better servant, a constant learner, and a willing vessel. Use this time to invest in yourself and grow in your gifts, to grow in your discipline, and amplify your worship. People are offering free and low costs courses, amazon is always delivering books, and youtube is a whole college on the low. Make the most of this time! If you are wasting this time where your responsibilities are just you, imagine what is going to happen when you have to prioritize another human.
God Loves You!
Here are some books and resources I recommend for you during this time.
My recently published devotional Faith in Spite Of. (Over 100 copies were sold in the first month and it was my first published work. So exciting)
Celebration of Discipline- I read this book while completing my Masters and it taught be about inward, outward, and corporate disciplines in this faith that I need to be intentional about fostering.
The Hannah Anointing- I read this book in my last Sisters Seeking the Word study (don't worry another is on the way). It is filled with nuggets that are sure to bless you.
Your Gifts: Discover God's Unique Design for You- This book takes a deep dive into the spiritual gifts and even includes a spiritual gifts assessment! (Grow Baby, Grow!)
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