Singleness Of Heart

Singleness of Heart

“Sing, O childless woman, you who have never given birth! Break into loud and joyful song, O Jerusalem, you who have never been in labor. For the desolate woman now has more children than the woman who lives with her husband,” says the LORD.

Isaiah 54:1

The Amish community is known for large families. It’s easy to forget about the single men and women among them. If marriage and children are celebrated, it may seem singleness is despised, but singles often find themselves surrounded with children—and with laughter and joy—in other ways.

Some singles care for elderly parents until their deaths, and many singles find their place within the home or near the home of a sibling. Gifted, talented, loving . . . these singles often find their hearts bursting and their laps overflowing with nieces, nephews, and cousins. This is especially true for single women.

The single Amish woman is loved not only by the little ones who receive her help and attention but also by their parents, who appreciate the extra hand. Many single women are also teachers, and their influence over children in the classroom can continue for years.

In this life, focusing on what we lack is easy, but the Bible reminds us that little is much in the sight of the Lord. With God, a little oil can provide more than enough for a poor widow and her sons. With Jesus, a few loaves of bread and some fish can feed a multitude. Luke 16:10 reminds us, “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones.”

Sometimes we believe we know what we want in life, but God has different plans. True joy comes not from looking at what we’re lacking but from having a singleness of heart to worship God and to rejoice in His goodness in whatever state we find ourselves.

Dear heavenly Father, forgive me for the discontent that stirs within me in the areas of my life that don’t live up to my own expectations. Help me to rejoice in the people and relationships You’ve brought into my life, and give me a singleness of heart that pursues my relationship with You above all else.