The holidays are nearly here and it’s a great time of the year; a time all about family, friends, and good food. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on a different season: this season of my life. It’s marked by a demanding job, a new city, new friends, and singlehood. It’s amazing how things can be going pretty well in our lives in numerous facets and we will zero in on one area that may not be where we want it to be. I think singlehood resonates with a lot of us because it is such a vulnerable state; we feel alone.  

        “Do not be afraid or terrified…for the Lord your God goes before with you, he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
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        Well technically we’re never alone but sometimes you want an earthly companion; your other half.  It’s easy to look online or on our phones and see other people paired off and appearing happy. We can get so caught up in their fairy tale that we forget our lives are pretty awesome too.

      It’s when we focus on other people’s blessings that we miss our own. I’m 22. 22. I have to let that sink in. I may not be married with kids or engaged, but I’m blessed. I have a really good job, I’m pretty much independent and pay all my bills, and I’m free to do and hang out with whoever I want, whenever I want. My life won’t always be this worry-free. I should enjoy it now. Ha, easier said than done, but something I take from fellow Christian blogger Heather Lindsey is that we need to enjoy each season of life. We can’t be in our single season looking forward to married season then enter that season and look forward to kids. I think the bottom line comes down to contentment.  

      “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4: 11-13)

      That’s something I can latch onto and really try. These days I’m trying to say what I’m thankful for every day and whenever I get done reciting the list, I see how numerous my blessings are and how few my problems are. This whole contentment thing is a daily thing as is the Christian walk in general.
     “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
     But be encouraged because the Word says,
     “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

     While the Giants still have a losing record, they’re on a two-game win streak! Not bad considering they started off the season losing six straight. They may not win the Super Bowl this year or even make the playoffs, but they won a few games and they won’t finish the season winless. Memories are still strong for me of the last Super Bowl they won that was just the year before last. So, I won’t let this rough stretch define quarterback, Eli Manning’s, legacy.
I think life is all about perspective; the glass is always half full and God has a re-fill on the way! 

    “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4: 16-18)

     I am able to keep such a positive outlook because I know God’s power and what He’s brought me through. Minor issues at work or dealing with tough co-workers is nothing in comparison to fighting back from a traumatic brain injury while at times being completely alone. Perspective, it keeps me going. I encourage you to stay positive. If you find yourself leaning toward the pessimistic side of things a majority of the time, I suggest you pray about it.  
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    “Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7: 7-8)