Around this time a year ago, a man I loved told me he loved me. We entered a relationship that was already very significant for the both of us. Nine months later, it ended in the worst of ways. I was left wondering what in the world did I just do with my life. Not only was I completely clueless about relationships, but now I am also clueless about being single.

There is this whole concept in our society where we singles just wait to be married for our lives to start. I say I'm not waiting but.... I am.

I am waiting for a man to love me. I am waiting for a man to confirm my gifts and calling. I am waiting for a man to protect me and advocate for me when my voice is not heard. I am waiting to build a life with someone. I am waiting for someone to conceive and raise kids with. I am waiting for someone to fill all of the voids my family and friends didn't and couldn't fill.

See, all of those things I listed in the above paragraph, with some exceptions, were things that were fulfilled or planned to be fulfilled in my previous relationship. It feels good to have a partner you can count on.

The problem is, I actually have all of those things in God.

I do. I don't want to think about it most of the time. It almost feels that if I'm too happy and fulfilled in Christ, He won't ever give me someone to marry.

Also, you all don't make it easy. We glorify marriage and relationships so much in this society. We think there must be something wrong with single people -- I'm guilty of this too. But there's nothing wrong with me. I promise. I am a normal person with attributes and flaws, just like everyone else.

The truth is, we don't have enough information about what it means to be single and how incredibly fulfilled we can be as single people. So, I'm about to turn 30 in a few weeks, is my life over?

No. (Chuckle.) It just began. Why do I say that? Take a look at what's to come...

1. I have yet to experience the fullness of the love of God.

See, I'm not very good at taking care of myself. This is one of the reasons I long to be married and have children. I am really good at taking care of other people, like really good.

But, I am not so good at letting God or others take care of me. It reveals to me something deeper in my heart. It reveals that I don't think I am worthy to be loved and cared for. So, I haven't received the fullness of the love of God.

It scares me how much He loves me. I didn't do anything to deserve it. It is uncomfortable. But, His love and care for me propel me to do the unimaginable. I can't wait to receive this fullness from Him. It is going to be amazing.

2. I have yet to see the full manifestation of my gifts and calling.

There are so many gifts the Lord has put inside of me. I don't know why I have been waiting so long to be who He has made me.

There are hundreds of articles I am yet to write and publish. There are so many books that are yet to be written. There are so many sermons I have yet to preach. I have words the Lord has given me to prophesy. I am to lay hands on many who need a healing touch from the Lord.

I have so many girls to raise and mother. I have so many people to teach and disciple. I have so many prayers to pray and things to intercede for. I don't even know the real Anel, the one who walks in her full identity and calling. I can't wait for a man to confirm these things. Only my Creator can.

3. I will build a life for many women and girls to live in.

The matters of worth and identity as a girl and woman are what I very much needed growing up. I not only need to teach these things to my girls, I also need to trace a new way for them.

I have to give them the space and freedom no one gave me. I need to build a life where they can be themselves, the true selves God has made them to be.

I am yet to pioneer these things. I am grateful I had women who paved a way for me to begin to come out of my shell, but there's even more.

Latinas feel especially pressured to be married or to be in relationships. It is almost embarrassing to be single and to be happy. I need to pave the way, and I will pave the way.

4. I will raise many children in the Spirit.

There is a legacy I need to leave. There are depths and dimensions of prayer, power and authority I need to impart to the coming generation. There are matters of love and community that need to be taught and passed on from me.

I need to raise up the upcoming generation of teachers, preachers, prophets, pastors, evangelists, worshipers and intercessors. What I am carrying goes beyond me. In fact, it has nothing to do with me. It is all about the purpose and the glory of the Lord being revealed on the earth. I have children to raise.

As you can see, I am not alone. I am not lacking in gifts and calling. I am not unemployed. I am not purposeless. I am not childless. In fact, I am even dating. You can read about it here.

So, to answer your famous question: is my life over at age 30? (Chuckle.) Seriously, it just began.