Would Mr. Right Please Step/Run Forward...Or Not

Have you ever experienced the peer pressure of an eight-year old child? It is very powerful. Perhaps it is because kids call it like you see it, but when they talk, I listen. That is why my children's near constant obsession with my romantic life (or lack their of), has got me reflecting.

Here is a brief synopsis of my history with romantic relationships...none. Now I did have a rather romantic proposal in Uganda--a Muslim man wanted me to be his fourth wife in exchange for some cows. (I considered it but just couldn't reconcile myself to the thought of the frequent Ugandan dust storms.) So I find myself at 23 having never dated anyone. I've lobbied in Washington D.C., known the deaf to receive their hearing, roasted frogs in a rice paddy in Thailand and had tea with the leader of a rebel army, but I have zero experience when in comes to matters of the heart. So what's the problem? Absolutely nothing.

According to the standards of the world, I should be concerned--very concerned. Many of my friends are now married or in a very serious relationship. Several even have children. But as for me, I live in place where the only single men with whom I regularly interact with between the ages of 19 and 50 is a gay man and an individual who could shame Casanova. In fairness, I have seen some youngish looking men from time to time--kinda like Bigfoot sightings--but have never gotten pass an awkward stare of awe at their existence.

So what is a girl to do? The answer: trust. Though there is a part of me that wants to apply for Extreme Makeover: Brittany Addition, I know that this is not the solution or even the problem. My singleness has truly been a gift. Because I have never been in a relationship, I have been free to wholly devote myself to whatever God has put before me. I truly cannot fathom what it would have been like to have come to this place with an attachment. I would be torn between my classroom and him. I would constantly feel like I was failing one or both parties. The same is true of Uganda, Thailand, Brasil, Botswana, etc. I mean, when is the last time you met a man who was willing/honored to sleep on a dirt floor in a refugee camp? Because I am single, I can come running when God calls. It truly is pretty special.

Someone once told me that I would walk a very lonely road. I feel like that from time to time. I feel as if I am walking along a very long and difficult road, very much alone. However, along the way, I meet incredible people who encourage me, but I still remain on the journey alone. It can get lonely, but then I remember that I am not walking alone. Jesus is always beside me, leading me where He wants me to go. You see, I would rather live my entire life as a single woman than to abandon the path God has set me upon. I am headed somewhere--straight to the Father's heart.

B