The last point I want to make today is this; there is far more to life than marriage or intimate relationships. There are rewarding careers that can be pursued. There are important tasks for which a person can volunteer that can occupy their time and their talents. There are all manner of events that can be enjoyed as easily by one’s self as with someone else. You do not have to be married in order to adopt a child who can thrive on the love and attention of an unmarried parent. You do not have to be married to enjoy the company of your family and your friends. You do not have to be married to have a relationship with God that is nurtured by prayer, Bible study, worship, service to others and a deep sense of being valued by the creator.
There is a meaningful life for those who are not married, but you might miss out on most of it if you spend all your time moping around in self-pity because for one reason or another you do not have a spouse. Harriet Tubman was not married and her life was not wasted. Sojourner Truth was not married for most of her life but her life was not wasted. George Washington Carver was not married and his life was not wasted. Many people either outlived their spouse, or got a divorce or were never married; and they still managed to live full and meaningful lives.
Look at how this biblical story ends; over time Ruth does get married under the practice of kinsman redeemer. However, Naomi does not marry again. Her husband dies, her two sons die and her daughter-in-law gets married. But Naomi is not written out of the story. Rather, she rejoices in the good fortune of Ruth and helps to raise the child conceived with Boaz. Her life goes on and her joy is unending. One could say that her Bitterness had passed and he Sweetness had returned. There may be some bitter times for those who “live single in a marriage culture.” But it is possible for God to keep your spirit “sweet” to make your life full and to make your soul content.
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Marvin McMickle is Senior Pastor of Antioch Baptist Church in Cleveland, OH.