To the Singles

Being single has been the hardest trial of my life, and not because of simply not being married, but because of this stage of life in general: graduating from college, looking for work, dating and boy drama (which I've had A LOT of in the past few weeks), moving away from friends and family, being alone, finding purpose to life, etc. So of course, these things are always on my mind, and I really appreciate encouraging words or insights from people who know what I'm going through.

For example, last month Sister Oaks (Elder Oak's wife) came to speak to the H4 (my ward plus 3 other wards we combine with) about her experience with being single. She didn't get married until she was over 50, so she knows exactly what I'm feeling now because she's been there. I ran out and bought her book, A Single Voice: The Unexpected Life is No Less A Life, and she pretty much expresses exactly how I feel and says exactly what I need to hear.

Another instance was today in Relief Society. We had a lesson on trusting in the Lord (which is something I'm always trying to work on), and the girl giving the lesson is one of those girls you look at and wonder, "Now how are you not married?" She's beautiful, funny, has a strong testimony, well-educated, etc. But something she said that stood out to me was [paraphrasing] part of this stage of life is learning to become the person we want our children to know and see. She said, "I'm doing this [going through this trial of singleness while still trying to trust in the Lord] for the people I will love, and it will be worth it." This touched me a lot.

My final example is actually a strange one, but it still gave me the needed strength for the day. I was listening to Pandora at work this past week when a song came on called "For Those Who Wait" by Fireflight. I have never heard this song or this artist before, and the music itself wasn't my favorite, but the lyrics left a lasting impression. So, to those singles reading this now, I dedicate this song to you:

This is for those who wait

Another day another waiting game
A little different but it's still the same
I am here but where's the one I'm longing for?

I'm having troubles feeling all alone
Will my heart ever find a home?
I want to hope but sometimes I just don't know
I know I'm not the only one

So you sing a lullaby
To the lonely hearts tonight
Let it set your heart on fire
Let it set you free

When you're fighting to believe
In a love that you can't see
Just know there is a purpose
For those who wait

I want to open up my eyes
I know that all I need is time
I'm growing stronger every single day

God, I'm gonna leave them to You now
Letting go all of my fear and doubt
I can't do this on my own, so I'll give You control
I know I'm not the only one

So you sing a lullaby
To the lonely hearts tonight
Let it set your heart on fire
Let it set you free

When you're fighting to believe
In a love that you can't see
Just know there is a purpose
For those who wait

The pressure makes us stronger
The struggle makes us hunger
The hard lessons make the difference

The pressure makes us stronger
The struggle makes us hunger
The hard lessons make the difference
And the difference makes it worth it

So we sing a lullaby
To the lonely hearts tonight
Let it set your heart on fire
Let it set you free

When you're fighting to believe
In a love that you can't see
Just know there is a purpose
For those who wait

Let it set your heart on fire
This is for those who wait