ChristianWeek

If you’re in a relationship, February can be one of the most romantic months of the year. But if you’re not, the hearts and flowers around you can serve only as a cruel reminder that you are all alone. Instead of being showered with gifts, you find yourself showered with loneliness and depression.

But are you really all alone? As a 38-year-old never-married single, I’d like to challenge that idea. And not from a religious, pat-answer perspective either. I know being single has its challenges—everything from attempting home repairs to attending another wedding by yourself. But let’s face it. Being married is hard, too.

Paul, the ultimate single of the Bible, takes a counter-cultural approach to singleness. In I Corinthians 7:32-38, he argues that being single is better because it enables us to focus all of our energies into building the Kingdom of God. I believe the church needs to take another look at this issue. Instead of being asked why I’m not married, I want to be celebrated because I’m living a life radically committed to God’s call.

I truly believe there are seasons in life when God calls you to a single focus because of the contribution you can bring to God’s work. This is not a cause for shame or embarrassment. I think it’s a noble calling. Look at the lives of Mother Teresa or Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Or dare I even say it? Jesus! We know our world would be a lesser place without these radically committed singles.

I know some people secretly believe God is punishing them for a mistake they’ve made along the way. Or perhaps they think they aren’t worthy yet and haven’t “earned” marriage. I don’t believe this to be true. I actually think God has placed a trust in you that you’ll be patient and won’t jump into a wrong relationship just because you’re tired of waiting.

I know from personal experience that there is a dependence and intimacy singles can find with God that isn’t as accessible to those whose time and attention is taken up with family. For me, it is the most important and precious thing in my life. I wouldn’t trade these years of friendship with God for anything.

This Valentine’s Day, I want to encourage singles to live the life they were created for today. There is a world of adventure waiting for us now—not the day we get married. I want to encourage the church to celebrate the heroic and faithful lives many unmarrieds lead. Forsaking all others—including inappropriate relationships and temptation—many singles are changing the world.

Instead of wallowing in what we don’t have during this month of romance, let’s focus on the incredible gifts of time, flexibility and passion we bring to God’s work here on earth. This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate singles.

Cheryl Weber is a 38-year-old single who is living her life to the fullest, travelling around Canada and the world reporting on what God is doing in the lives of others for “100 Huntley Street.”