Holidays have an emotional effect on people, but none have the impact of the day celebrating Saint Valentine of Terni. Valentine’s Day may be all about warmth and love, but the holiday creates a tremendous amount of pressure for many people, perhaps none more than single people. Everyone is expected to be wooed, wined, and dined by a love interest on that day, and if you’re without that someone special, there must be something wrong with you. Somehow you’ve fallen short of your reason for living.
What rubbish! There is nothing wrong with being single. In fact, there is a great deal of joy to be found in the freedom it provides. As Anna Light tells us, “the most powerful person on the planet is a free person. When we’re free there are endless possibilities for God to work in us to accomplish His purpose for our lives.” There are many forms of freedom, but one of the most important is the freedom to be defined by who we are, not just by who we love. That doesn’t mean marriage and other relationships are inherently flawed — it just means that there is no shame in being single.
Too often, we cling to the wrong people out of fear of being alone. We convince ourselves that we’re deeply in love when we’re actually insecure about who we are and what we should be doing. As Anna adds, “Many of us are not free. When it comes to our God-given purpose, many of us are fearful, unsure, and held back.”
In other words, God may be telling you that you don’t need a “significant other” in your life right now. If you feel lonely, rushing into the wrong relationship is no solution. Instead, surround yourself with people you love — your family and your friends. Look for opportunities to serve God in ways that create joy for you, perhaps by volunteering in a local mission project or becoming involved in the ministries at your church.
God has a plan and a purpose for you. That’s why you’re here. And He will reveal that plan and purpose when He is ready. If not knowing has you depressed and anxious, why not sit down and talk with one of our professional counselors? We can help you discover what matters most to you and open your eyes to the world around you. And we’ll help you cope with those times when it’s uncomfortable to be single, like a particular day in February. Call us today. We have immediate openings for you.