This is likely the most emotionally personal article I've written, but I feel like it needs to be said. God's will be done. To God be the glory!
There are so many seasons of life. Happy seasons, not so happy seasons. Seasons of romance, seasons of heartache. But one thing remains constant no matter the season - God loves us, and we are made for love.
Recently, I started a dating fast. I went through a breakup a few months ago, and am freaking out about what my future vocation might be. Going on a six-month dating fast can help me stay open to what God has in store. People might not understand, but that's okay. I feel like this is what's needed in my life right now, what God's calling me to do, and I trust He is guiding me every step of the way.
I'm the kind of person who likes to be in control. I'm not good about surrendering control to God. The funny thing is, He's in control either way. And that's a good thing. It's something I need to remind myself of each day.
A priest recently told me that "vocation" means fallen in love. He reminded me that my first vocation - even more important than marriage vs. sisterhood - is to be loved by God and love others. What an important, much-needed reminder this is!
God made us for love - He is perfect love. The love between a man and a woman is meant to reflect the love Christ has for His Church. In centering one's life on God, a firm foundation of love is formed. God is Love Himself. It is through Him that all things come to be.
Surrender to God, let Him fill you up with His perfect love that He desires to share with you. No matter your past, present or future - God loves you perfectly, in every moment. He's had a plan for you since the beginning of time. Your vocation - your love story - started at the moment you were conceived. Let God write your love story.
Yes, I am on a dating fast. But that doesn't mean I can't love. Crazy though it sounds, it makes me even freer to love. I am able to take a step back, to give up control. God knows what He's doing, and has a plan. I am able to focus on loving others as my brothers and sisters in Christ, forming solid friendships with people. I can trust that God is healing my heart and shaping it for whatever He has in store.
Yes, there are times when it's hard. When I wonder if I'll ever fully be whole. Nobody likes getting their heart hurt. But I find comfort in knowing that God has a purpose for all this - with each heartbeat, I'm one step closer to who God made me to be. After all, it's through God's love that we are made whole.
In every moment of our lives, God loves us and has a purpose for us. I'm not good at remembering that, especially when I get anxious or upset, but it's still true. I'm so grateful for the love, patience and support my friends have shown me. It's not always easy, and sometimes I wonder if I'm making any progress. But I know to keep turning to God, having faith in Him and looking to Him. He's the perfect Gentleman, the One who loves us more than we can even begin to imagine.
So yes, I'm on a dating fast. But I'm still called to love. God loves me, I'm falling in love with Him, and that's all any of us ever really need.
