It's my first summer in Athens and my last summer as an undergrad. I have started savoring every Athens tradition, weekend trip, and summer night, knowing I'll most likely never have this sort of freedom and youth again. After a long week of work and shadowing, it was finally Thursday. I glanced at my phone as I was walking into the dental office.

It read "7:00am" exactly.

There were no texts, no Instagram notifications, no snapchats. "Well that's depressing," I sighed, feeling a little empty and unloved. I haven't been this single since high school (not dating, talking to, or invested in anyone). "It's weird to not have someone text me everyday," I thought, but at the same time it is oh so refreshing.

I may be speaking with a slit bias, sense my past relationships were drenched with insecurities and trust issues, but, hear me out. In my case, a good morning text meant my eyes were locked on my phone all day. I felt like my attention was constantly split between reality and a, typically, surface level conversation. Often times it set the tone for my day: "oh he told me I'm beautiful," so I believed that was true.

There's nothing wrong with feeling beautiful; but I've found there is something wrong with depending on a text to remember it.

At times I secretly wished, "can I just have a day where I don't have to talk to anyone?" For a slightly introverted girl that is constantly on the go, I need my alone time. I think the whole "texting constantly because we're dating" stigma needs to go, especially if you see each other frequently. What could possibly be so important that it can't wait until I see you? Well, I'll tell ya what, "Playin videogames wyd?" certainly didn't seem that important.

I experienced harsh disagreement on this subject and was told that I didn't "actually love them" because I don't like to text 24/7. Granted, it wasn't love (hence the whole breaking up thing), but I still believe in quality time over text. Maybe I'm just weird and stand completely alone on this topic. Maybe one day I'll get goose bumps every time I see my dude's name pop up on my phone, but for right now that's just not where I am.

The season I'm in consists of pursuing a career, caring for myself, investing in my friends/family and living my life--fully, deeply, and in the moment. I truthfully love the feeling not being obligated to talk to any one, even though it can get lonely at times.

The silver lining for any girls in my position is ENJOY THE SEASON YOUR IN. Everyone's looks different.

Dating is awesome, but one day you'll be married with kids and alone time will be a rare commodity. Sit and be still. Soak up the love and grace offered to you by JESUS each morning instead of the validation you receive from your phone.

Being single is not something that should make you feel insecure. The Lord puts us through periods of waiting, so that he can work in our lives and hearts, and once the right person comes along,

we will be CONTENT outside of a relationship,

INDEPENDENT outside a man's support,

and know our WORTH outside a man's approval.

Don't waist these periods of independence sulking, waiting around, seeking acceptance, and feeling unloved. The truth is you are beautiful. Embrace your freedom, pursue your dreams, rest in the truth that God holds your future in His hands. Ask Him to mold you into the girl he wants you to be, and everything else will fall in place.

"Your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. Your mercies will hold me up. In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comfort delights my soul" (Psalm 94:16-19)