Things I enjoy about being single

To everything there is a season, and this is definitely my season of singleness. I have tried to wiggle out of it like a snake shedding its skin, yet I am finding the more I embrace the season, the more blessings I recognize within it. Therefore, in an attempt to remind myself of the good as well as encourage my single friends to recognize the abundance and beauty that is in their own lives, I am composing this list.

1) Time spent with the family I already have
2) Being able to participate in any activity I want, budget and work schedule allowing
3) Not having to feed anyone else meals (as in, cereal is just fine for dinner on days when I have no energy)
4) Getting to know all sorts of interesting people while dating
5) Grocery shopping alone
6) Planning vacation without having to make anyone else happy or think about little people
7) Quiet time alone at home
8) Working out in my living room without being interrupted
9) Showering, cleaning, reading, and engaging in other activities, including phone conversations, without being interrupted
10) Getting to know and love myself

There are reasons to be thankful in every season of life. What are you thankful for in this season you find yourself in?

An open letter to my future husband

Beloved,
I want you to know that my heart is for you even as I am afraid of beginning a life with you. I have experienced the disappointment of a poorly chosen mate, known the terrors of domestic abuse, and am still coaxing my heart to open to the possibility of love. Nevertheless, I have come to genuinely love myself, and I want to love you too. I know I will learn how as we get closer to each other.
Darling, your character is of utmost importance to me. I don't care how much money you make, where you live, or what you look like. What matters to me is that you are a man of integrity. I care that your word is your bond, that if you promise you'll do something, you follow through. It matters to me that you honor and respect my family and those who are close to me. I want you to be courteous to them, appreciating the care they've shown me even before we knew each other. Your generous spirit matters to me. The sacrifices you make so others can have what they need mean more to me than anything money can buy.
Dear one, I am after your heart. I want to be united with someone whom I can respect and adore. You must know that I fell in love with the character of Jesus long ago and have since been striving to live a life that reflects His beautiful character. Yes, I have messed it up, but the grace I find helps me to go on.
I want our relationship to reflect that grace. So for now, I wait for you. I date, I pray, I fill my days with love and life as best I can, and I ask God to be gracious and prepare us for each other.
I don't know where you are at in life, but I have always loved you. I trust God's timing to bring our paths together, and believe that He is faithful to both of us. I chose to love you for what doesn't change, your character.
And I am happy to wait for you.
Your bride,
Amy