I know you are twenty-nine and the world has given you a timeline for when you should get married and have children, but please know that the world’s expectations are simply their own. I could never be more proud of who you are every day and I applaud the fact you are willing to be different and stick to the values and beliefs that God wants for you.
I want you to know that I only want what God wants. I don’t wish to push my desires onto you. It would be pretty selfish of me to think that your job is to give me grandchildren in order to fulfill my needs. I don’t need grandchildren to be complete, nor is it a life-long goal of mine. I’m not saying I wouldn’t enjoy that blessing, but it is far more important for you to keep pursuing the heart of God. This is where I will watch you grow and thrive and see the rewards of being faithful. This is where I will receive my greatest blessing. If I have a need, it is for you to always be the woman God created and designed you to be. There is only one you! I have raised you to be an independent thinker, a difference maker, and a woman after God’s own heart. You are impacting many lives.
I love how you have embraced life and all it has to offer. Your smile lights up the world and your laughter is infectious. You are fearless! Your wisdom is way beyond your years and your wit is like no other. You love deeply, and I know what breaks your heart.
Don’t ever let this world or anyone else define who you should be. I’m sorry the world has made it seem that if you aren’t married and don’t have children, there is something wrong with you. You are perfectly okay! I love how you value God above yourself even when it hurts. I’m even sorrier for the church’s role in making you believe that because you are a woman, somehow your ministry isn’t as valid as a man’s, or that God didn’t create us all equally in Him. He did! God would never love one more than another.
I’m sorry there are not more encouraging messages or resources on the joy and value of being single. God has given you opportunities that others will never be able to pursue because of their commitments. You have the ability to see things in a different light and can offer great perspective. You are a spiritual mentor to the young women you work with, walking in the trenches and proving you can stay true to God in a world that adamantly says you can’t. I love how you surrender yourself to God and desire to keep pressing towards the prize, even in spite of the obstacles.
The fact is, I wish I was more like you. I wish that when I was your age I would not have allowed the world to influence my calling. Keep being God’s voice in those places where God leads you to speak. You have taught me many valuable lessons in life, but none more important than being content where you are and using it to glorify God. God knows your plans. Don’t be discouraged by who others think you need to be….JUST KEEP BEING YOU! Keep sprinkling your Jesus Glitter wherever you go!
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17
Amen and well said!!