So, one of the main pieces of advice dispensed to singles by everyone is:
You should be happy where you are.
And it's often said with that kind of spiritually raised eyebrow that lets us know if we're experiencing any kind of pangs or discomfort in our current circumstances it's clearly a sign that we are a SINNER and we have WORK TO DO. (And probably we need to do this work before we'll be allowed to marry)
But what if this "discontent" has a divine source? What if part of our job as singles...particularly those of us who are long-time singles...is to remind the Church that the already finished work of Christ is not yet fulfilled? That, in fact, we are a bride waiting for her bridegroom.
Remember, we're all part of the Body of Christ. Imagine that all of the singles who long for a partner are a kind of underlying, humming discomfort in the Body of Christ. Not because we lack value, but because our (seemingly unglamorous) role is to keep the Body constantly aware that her Bridegroom has yet to arrive, that He is still on his way.
Isn't insisting that singles "be content" possibly a way of just avoiding this pain and trying to shut it up? Does it possibly invite singles to simply "numb out" and speak the party line so they don't get any kind of social or spiritual blowback for their feelings?
Someone who has been single for a long time understands a feeling that is very difficult to articulate. It is that combination of genuine hope mixed with significant pain. The hope part we all get. It's the pretty side, the sweet side, the side that everyone wants you to present at all times. But here's the deal...you don't get to truly experience being the Bride if you pretend the pain isn't there as well. It's not the whole story. It's not the end of the story. But it's an important part that shouldn't be overlooked.
You should be happy where you are.
And it's often said with that kind of spiritually raised eyebrow that lets us know if we're experiencing any kind of pangs or discomfort in our current circumstances it's clearly a sign that we are a SINNER and we have WORK TO DO. (And probably we need to do this work before we'll be allowed to marry)
But what if this "discontent" has a divine source? What if part of our job as singles...particularly those of us who are long-time singles...is to remind the Church that the already finished work of Christ is not yet fulfilled? That, in fact, we are a bride waiting for her bridegroom.
Remember, we're all part of the Body of Christ. Imagine that all of the singles who long for a partner are a kind of underlying, humming discomfort in the Body of Christ. Not because we lack value, but because our (seemingly unglamorous) role is to keep the Body constantly aware that her Bridegroom has yet to arrive, that He is still on his way.
Isn't insisting that singles "be content" possibly a way of just avoiding this pain and trying to shut it up? Does it possibly invite singles to simply "numb out" and speak the party line so they don't get any kind of social or spiritual blowback for their feelings?
Someone who has been single for a long time understands a feeling that is very difficult to articulate. It is that combination of genuine hope mixed with significant pain. The hope part we all get. It's the pretty side, the sweet side, the side that everyone wants you to present at all times. But here's the deal...you don't get to truly experience being the Bride if you pretend the pain isn't there as well. It's not the whole story. It's not the end of the story. But it's an important part that shouldn't be overlooked.