If I Never Marry ...

I have been reading some great blog posts on dating, marriage and the kind of characteristics you actually should be looking for in a mate (like someone who understands what it means to suffer and won't run from it - I can suggest a great post about this topic). I have also read some really awful articles about what marriage isn't ... for example google "Christian domestic discipline" and you'll see what I am talking about. However, I believe these are all wonderful tools of preparation for a possible future marriage or at the very least a career in counseling women.

I have really found my place in grad school. I know counseling is what I am meant to do. Someone recently asked me if I had thought to myself "finally?" because it was all coming together. I know in many people's eyes I should have had this figured out by now. I am 31 years old. I should have been 5 years + settled into my career but I wasn't. I am not. It took me a while to get here and I don't regret one minute of it. I may have regretted some of it during the process because I felt like a failure but not anymore. I have a well of experience that I can draw from that I didn't have at 24, 25 or 26. I was not ready to take the emotional, mental and spiritual well beings of others at that age. Some are. I completely recognize this, however, I was not and that is OK. I am not in competition with anyone. I do not need to prove myself to anyone by showing them my degrees or job titles. I am enough on my own. Take me as I am or leave me. :) I am enough. 

Knightley and I

I haven't always felt this way. I have spent many years running in circles trying to keep up with everyone else until I couldn't do it anymore. Well it's a new era in my life and I'm not looking back. I am pushing ahead. I have so much to look forward to and a lot of hard work ahead of me. But I am ready. I can do it because I have the Lord to walk and guide me through it, a supportive, loving family, amazing friends and endless puppy cuddles when I get home at night. 

Happy Howlloween!!

Endless puppy cuddles? Yes, I got a puppy this past weekend!! You want to see another picture of him? Ok ... if you insist! Knightley was a complete surprise. I found out about him on October 9th and decided that night via Facebook Messenger that I would take him even though I hadn't seen him. He has stolen my heart. Getting a puppy was one of those things I had thought about waiting on until I got married. However, I had been praying that if the right situation came along that I would know it and take advantage of it. Lo and behold, my "little love bug" did. There's a lot of things ... life things ... I have thought about waiting on until I got married but not anymore. Now, before anyone gets their feathers all ruffled ... I am still saving myself for marriage ... that is a standard that hasn't changed. And I trust that if the Lord keeps me single for the rest of my life then He will give me the strength, peace and will power to abstain. So here's my bucket list for if I never marry ...

If I Never Marry ... I Will ...:

1. Enjoy Life with No Regrets.

2. Grow Closer in My Relationship with Christ

3. Live in a Tiny House or Refurbish a Craftsman Home

4. Go On a Yearly Mission Trip

5. Start My Own Private Counseling Practice.

6. Get Knightley a Brother.

7. Buy Myself a Louis Vuitton Purse.

8. Travel Across the United States.

9. Remain Active in and through My Local Church.

10. Sing, Laugh, Write and Take Care of Myself on a Daily Basis.

I don't know what you may think looking at that list but I see a pretty fulfilling life of serving of others and taking care of myself. One thing I have learned is that it's not selfish to take care of yourself ... it's vital in being able to take care of/serve others and that is what I desire to do above all. 

I am not afraid I will never marry I just do not want to live with that desire as the focus of my life. I still hope for it but my life is so rich and full that I do not want to miss out on living right now, yet with my cousin getting married this weekend I can't help but to think about marriage. I want to have a realistic approach and thought process. So please, don't fill my Facebook page with comments of "how the right one is coming along" or "it will happen when you least expect it" or "when your cousin's neighbor's niece was 62 she got married for the first time ..." because I am good! I am not depressed. I just want you, my friends and loved ones to know, that if I never marry it's okay. I have a plan to enjoy life, serve others and do it all to the glory of God!!

I love you all!

Blessings ...

- Melody Faith