Hello boys and girls! Ladies and gentlemen! Dogs and cats! And anyone else who happens across this blog. I have this cousin. Let's say his name is George. It's not really. However, I feel the need to change his name to protect the not so innocent! HAHA! He and his lovely wife have been reading my blogs - so I thought they'd appreciate me using them to introduce my line of thinking this evening. He enjoys teasing me because I'm about ten years older than him. In fact, he had invited me to do something with he and Martha (not his wife's name - but I changed hers to truly protect someone who is innocent! HA!) At any rate, he had invited me to do something with him and Martha this evening. I sent him a text a little while ago and let him know I was finally headed home after getting my car back from Firestone, so I was just going to call it a night. Of course he had to say something in response about me needing to go to bed early because I am getting older... Almost 40. Well, I just want everyone to know I am NOT 40. Not yet! I am literally and figuratively 39 and holding! If you are wondering what I'm holding on to - you may want to fasten your seat belt because I'm about to tell you. I might also preface this entry with the fact that I will be sharing some personal information that everyone and their dog (especially young dogs) might not want to know...
Yes, I am 39 and holding. Holding on to what, you ask? Well, first and foremost, I am holding on to the fact that there are still wonderful people out there. In my 39 years I have met some amazing people. Through the years I've had truly God-sent friends and family who have been there in the best of times and in the worst of times. Just recently, I was telling one of those fabulous friends about some people I knew that attended a local church where I was pretty much raised. I was telling my friend how sweet and all around great people these folks were. Today of all days, I ran into some of them at the mall while I was waiting on my car. Sure enough - SWEET AS EVER! We talked about family and such. She asked me about church. When I told her where I was attending she said the most beautiful thing! "Well, that's wonderful! You know, it's not about the name on the door. We got over that a long time ago..." I told her I agreed and we both agreed it's really all about having a relationship with Jesus and helping others develop that relationship. This was such a warm and encouraging exchange! I must admit, I've not always gotten that kind of response from people with whom I used to attend church... However, that is not where I'm going tonight! Tonight, I want to thank God for people like this lady who was so Christ-like in her response. I want to thank God for people in my own church who God has blessed me to just know and be able to trust and grow in the Lord with. I want to thank God for friends and family who are just honestly terrific people. You know who you are! I know, some of us have lost touch over the years. Some of us see each other more regularly. Regardless, to those many wonderful people who God has blessed my life through - I LOVE YA! I APPRECIATE YOU!!!! YOU ALL ROCK!!!!! :) :) I'M HOLDING ON TO YOU PEEPS!!! :) :)
The second thing I'm holding on to is the fact that just because a lady is single and almost 39 does not make her weird, gay, or unhappy. I'm usually quite happy - but I am not gay. Weird - ok, I admit, I am a little on the weird side - but in a good way! :) Years ago, after returning from work overseas, I had a lady ask me what was wrong with me. She wanted to know why I couldn't find a man! She pointed out that all of my friends were getting married and starting families, and that I'd been all over the world and "still hadn't found anyone." Oddly enough, there have been moments that I have wondered what was wrong with me. Then there was the guy who saw me playing basketball with some of the men at church I attended for a while and he told one of the church secretaries that he thought my "door swung both ways." Actually, I thought a basketball court full of men would be a great place to look for a man. Ok, so really, I used to really just enjoy playing basketball with whomever! Still, I found such comments hurtful. I know, you are probably thinking unforgiveness is what I'm holding on to! HA! In all seriousness, I love both of these people and have forgiven them! I'm simply trying to make a point here... If you know someone who is single don't judge them for it! Furthermore, I think we all (myself included for sure here) need to think about what we say to or about people before we dive into conversations. Again, I know that's an area I have to work on! At any rate, back to being single... It's NOT ALL BAD! It's NOT A DISEASE!! It's NOT A DISORDER!!! While I used to long to meet Mr. Right, I now actually see and have begun to appreciate the pros of being single. Yes, I am still holding on to the possibility of meeting someone with whom to share life's journey. However, if it doesn't happen, that's ok! As I always say, "I would rather be single than stuck with a stinker!" Besides, my God has a plan! As our pastor shared this morning - He has a destiny for us! I want to fulfill God's destiny for my life! I figure, if a mate is a part of that plan - than awesome! If not - it's not like I'm alone! Go back to the beginning! I'm surrounded by people who I love and adore! More importantly, I have a God who never leaves or forsakes me! Amen? Amen! Wait, did someone say "A man?" Where? Is he single? Does He love Jesus? HEHEHEHEHE.... Oh look at all the "HEs!" :) :) :) :) ANYWAY...
Now the third thing I'm holding on to is a bit personal. Remember M... I mean, "George?" A few years ago when that movie came out "The 40 Year Old Virgin" it became a joke between he and I that that was where I was headed... Now, for those of you thinking, man, George is cruel... He's not! He's like the little brother that I never had! We razz each other all the time about all sorts of things! In fact, he and his wife are in with all the wonderful people I want to hold on to as described earlier! While I've not seen the movie (and don't intend to) I leaked the joke to some friends and co-workers on a trip one time and one of them exclaimed, "What? Oh my! We need to fix that!" What???? I'm not broken!!!! I mean, seriously!!!! My point... Why does our society think remaining a virgin until marriage is such a freakish thing? I mean, why shouldn't I be a virgin? Don't misunderstand me... I'm not saying sexual intimacy is wrong or anything like that! I believe God instituted the family - and that should be a fun, enjoyable, loving, intimate way husband and wives connect!! God intended that intimacy for marriage and wanted it to be a beautiful thing. Not only that, but He did want us to fill the earth with people and, well, babies don't come from storks! The Apostle Paul said the "marriage bed was undefiled." Simply put, sex in the bounds of marriage should be a good thing! While Paul said that over 2,000 years ago, Dr. Oz confirms it by telling people "a healthy sex life will prolong life." Personally, I believe the "healthiest" sex to have is with your spouse! I don't have a spouse. So I'm holding on to that until I do... Personally, I think that's the way it should be. I know in our society that it is very difficult. We are so bombarded with messages from music, movies, television, books, magazines, advertisements and the media that everyone is doing it and it's ok to just sleep with whomever. It's not ok. While I'm far from perfect (far, far away from perfect), I do plan on and hope to hold on to my virginity until I'm married. We should be teaching our children to do the same.
Last but not least, I'm holding on to HOPE. Hope for a future! Yes, I'm older and heavier than I used to be. I can't play basketball with the boys, or girls like I used to. I do want to go to bed earlier and earlier. However, I have this wonderful, Heavenly Father. While He is heavenly, He is also always so present in my life. He amazes me! He has blessed me far beyond all I need and certainly waaay beyond what I deserve!!! With Him, I may be 39 and holding today, but I can march into the 40s smiling and laughing - head held high and ready to face the joys and challenges of whatever life holds. Why? Because I know Who is holding me! Yes, I'm 39... And God has been holding my hand every minute of this marvelous journey. With His help, I will hold on to Him and He to me throughout this life and into eternity...
What are you holding on to?
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