It is not just the earth that responds to the coming of spring—my soul too rises. Paul wrote in 2Corinthians 2:14 that, “through us” God “spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge” of Christ. If only this were more than theoretically true. If only we could blossom as the flowers do. …
For the single, ambiguous loss takes the form of longing for a person who is not there, and a family that does not (as yet) exist. The divorced single must face both the longing for what might be and the sorrow of what might have been. Both share the sorrow that is not only difficult to define, but difficult to resolve, a loss that is difficult to mourn—a loss that is not a loss.
“He did not seek to drown grief in oblivion, but to exalt and dignify it through hope. A dry eye goes with a dead soul.” Victor Hugo, Les Misérables The hope is that in considering contentment and satisfaction we might be able to own our sorrow and longing in …
The casualties of prolonged singleness (at least where desire for marriage exists) are the dreams of youth and a hope for the future. It may not be the real loss of children, but the dreams and hopes of children or of growing old with another person. If I am honest, I must confess that I am ecstatic about the life I have been given, the blessings I have received, and yet still long for more. In light of God’s many blessings, I am rich beyond measure, and content. But I would be a liar if I said I have all that I want. I am content but not satisfied.