Coming into my freshman year of college in 2011, I made a commitment to be single for the entire year and not focus on dating but rather making friends, getting in the grove of college, strengthening my faith with God and attempting my swing at good grades, and let me just say, I did just that. During that entire year, I made awesome friendships, had sporadic outgoings, pulled some pranks, made good grades and grew immensely in my faith with Jesus Christ. Being single during that time had its many ups and downs, but all in all was one of the best decisions I had ever made.After my year and a half of saying goodbye to dating, I got into a relationship around Christmas of 2012. I was excited and pumped to begin a new journey in the new category of people at Bethel. Although, coming to this bridal college has its consequences as well; the influences. Everyone at my college tends to have a "ring by spring" or get married at a young age, and it is something that can effect you without realizing it's happening. Being a girl that my dream job is planning weddings, it is something I think about often and try not to get caught up in letting my mind wander into what may be in my future.
Not that long ago, my brother-in-law was in the cities and took me out for lunch and kind of gave me a good slap across the head with words. He reminded me not to get caught up in the Bethel relationship living and to just enjoy my dating relationship that I had going for the moment and just have fun and enjoy each others company. I mean he was right, there is no need to get serious so fast, but just enjoy the new stages of life as they come which was something that needed to be said.Tonight I talked with a friend where she told me her struggles with singleness and had recently attended a friends wedding that had placed the category of singleness heavy on her shoulders. I couldn't help but relate with how difficult singleness was when I was in that category but all the good things I had learned and grew from that time.
This last weekend, my sister got engaged to the man of her dreams and I couldn't be more happy for her and her fiance as well as gaining a new brother. Everything about their engagement was beautiful including the ring.Within a weekend, I was reminded of so many levels of relationships. The season of singleness, the dating and building season and the season of engagement and marriage to what can be for the rest of your life. I realized that whatever stage you are in at the moment to just enjoy it and ultimately give praise to the One who has given you this time and the life to enjoy these seasons of joy and trial. Don't get discouraged or fret that you are single, because in good time, God will bring that significant other. Don't get frustrated if you are dating and don't have a ring yet, because that should be a time for growth, learning and getting to know the person you are with. Don't be anxious when you finally have that ring moving towards your wedding, but embrace the time of planning and being with your significant other in a whole new level and meaning of a relationship. And when you're married, love each other unconditionally, serve one another humbly, care for each other deeply and continue to praise our Father above just as you have been for all the other stages of life.
Ephesians 4:2 "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love."
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