The third sleepless night in a row. Tought I'd share...A couple months ago our Dean of Women at TMC asked me to be on a panel for our Women's chapel. She was going to have a couple ladies representing different phases in life and asked me to be there representing single women. At first I was very hesitant because I knew a lot of questions would come up on singleness versus marriage. I had lunch with Erikka MacArthur one day and told her where I was at and she strongly encouraged me to do it and share with the girls my heart. So tommorow is the day. It's made me really think through if I am content where the Lord has me and analyze if I am really thankful for my singleness at this point in my life. In evaluating this it has made me most thankful for the way the Lord has blessed me as a single women. I have a wonderful job, the best church in America, Godly people, a great home with a roomate who loves to entertain with me, a sweet ride, money to be able to help those in need. freedom to have a little fun and the best friends a girl could ask for. Yet, with all these things I want more. I desire to be married and have children but because I am not does that mean I'm not content?
I heard a sermon that really spoke to me and it's one of the things I hope to share with the girls tommorow.This applies to people in every phase of life:
To live a contented life you need to:
Trust in God's providence. God works everthing to His own will and glory and our good.Proverbs 16:9 "A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
Be satisfied with little.We should all be liberated from need. Fight the battle to be thankful for what he is giving you instead of always wanting more.
Be independant from circumstance.Circumstances shouldn't determine our oontentment. If I truly believe in the soverignty of God then my faith and trust shouldn't waiver in trials or difficult circumstances.
Be sustained by God's power."I can do all things through Him who strengthns me..."
Preoccupation with the well being of others. I love this. A Godly woman that I meet with has really taught me this one. Trials are perfecting God's purposes and when i take the focus off myself and put it on others and pray for others my problems don't seem so bad.
Selfish people are never content. Contented people are concerned with meeting other people's needs. (Lynn, you are a great example of this!)
I am thankful and content where the Lord has me. I do desire marriage and children but know that God's timing is best and when he is ready to provide that for me then it's the perfect time. *pray that I keep remembering that :)
*This very early morning I am thankful for a good nights sleep.