Before you jump due to crushing loneliness, consistent dating disappointment, or the overwhelming fear you will never (yes, never) meet the person with whom you can be fully vulnerable, uninhibited, accepted, and white hot between the sheets, will you pause five minutes to read this article?  As someone who has experienced the above, and who remains single with zero signs of change to this dreary status quo, at least, please don’t jump until I’m there to jump with you.  Here’s why. 

When it comes to dating, I’ve read countless books and articles, and I’ve listened (while failing to curb my rising annoyance and frustration) to the advice of my dearest friends and cherished, wise family members.  If someone recommends one more book or seemingly cavalier piece of advice, I may deck him. So, full disclosure, this isn’t going to be one of “those” articles. 

I’m writing this, because I don’t believe in throwing in the towel when a dramatic ending  is at stake.  Simply put, I’m a huge fan of a great story.  I don’t know the ending, but I know it will be unpredictable, comedic, and an adventure.  I’m in the darkness of a deep, hidden cave (and have been here for a solid decade) about whether my ending includes the hypothetical man for whom I’ve costly chosen to save a few sacred moments.  But, what is certain is that if I give up, I will miss him.  

I’ve frequently told myself over the last several, lonely years that finding the right person is a gift, not a guarantee.  I don’t have advice about how to conquer the growing loneliness or pattern of dating defeat, but know you are not alone. The most comforting truth is: 

If you believe Jesus left the best possible place to go to the worst possible place just to have a relationship with you and give you access to his abundant, perfect love, His gifts haven’t ended.  If you believe He died for you and rose again, you better not give up, because He didn’t give up on you.  His gifts probably won’t be wrapped in the packages you expected, but if the One who died for you gives them, I think they will be pretty good.  

I really don’t know why He loves me so much, but I’m trusting the One who did all of that for me with my dwindling dreams of my own felicitous family.  And, even if that particular ending (adorable husband and wild, crazy, sweet little ones) is only for others, whatever my unique ending, He has promised to be in it.  Thanks to Him, even though I’m bruised up, I can keep fighting for my dreams, because with Him, I’ve already won.