Saturday, August 2, 2008

Jealousy

I am not a jealous person, really, not at all. I actually hate the green-eyed monster! I believe everyone has their life and God has their plan it is the way it is suppose to be. I am truly happy for the blessings God has provided for each and every one of us. We all have our blessings in one way or the other and the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Saying that, I am very envious of the people who are married and live over here. Many of the people I know and blogs I read are written by married couples experiencing all life has to offer over here together. I hear of the places they hang out, the challenges they endure 'together', the things they do with other couples, the 'couple friends' they have made, the places they go, etc.

This blog is a place I express my feelings (the good, the bad, and the ugly). It is my blog so I can say what I want, right?!! Maybe I just need some sympathy today, who knows. I do not mean to offend anyone who is married, really, that is not my intention. I promise. I just want to say how INCREDIBLY difficult it is living over here alone.

Did I know that going into this? Yep.

Did I realize just how difficult it was going to be? Probably.

Do I like it? Not all the time.

Nothing here is easy for us singletons. All of the challenges that come with living in another country, I endure and handle on my own....just me...no one is there is help, to discuss with, to bounce off ideas with, to cook for me, to run errands for me, to shop for me, etc. Just me....I do it all. Many people have expressed just how strong this experience has made me. "Tough as nails", they say. Ok, maybe so, but that does not mean I like it all the time!

Would I rather have someone here to help out? You better believe it.

This experience has made me realize just how independent I am and how much I can do on my own. I have more patience than I ever realized imaginable. I am strong, I am independent, I can handle most things put in front of me...but sometimes you just want a little help...someone who understands, someone to go through this with you. You know, 98.9% of the time, I am perfectly happy and content in my world as a singleton living in Brussels. Really, I am stating the truth. But, that 1.1% seems to creep up on me sometimes!

I have made life-long friends over here who are my rock (and they ALL happen to be out of town right now, which is probably the reason for my mood). However, sometimes you just want to say to someone, "Please take care of this for me, I am just tired."

Excuse me.....I just had an "ah ha" moment. It JUST hit me - God is the person I should be saying all of this to. He is the one that takes care of it all for me. I do not need a friend or husband to take care of me when I have Him. I suppose it took me typing this to remember that.

Do I realize this is the way God wanted me to experience this opportunity in my life? Absolutely.

I know He has a plan for me and I know if I am meant to be with someone, then He knows the timing for me and I just have to be patient. But, oh it is hard!

I am done ranting now. I am going to pray!

Note: After I went back and read what I typed, I started to delete this entirely. I really do not want to offend anyone. However, there maybe people out there (single or married) that have these same thoughts. They need to know they always have someone to turn to. He is God, our Heavenly Father. We are NEVER alone. It took me typing this to remember that. I hope someone out there in the blog-world who has these same feelings will believe and remember that too!

5 comments:

  1. I'm glad you kept the posting. It was cool to witness your "ah ha" moment as you were writing. I think you found the absolute truth through your ranting. B/c even as a married person, your partner isn't always there the way you want them to be, to take on the burden you want them too, which is even more frustrating and can create resentment. So as you realized, we ALL need to turn to God when we need help. NO ONE else. B/c no one else will not disappoint.

    Gail and I wish you were here this weekend...we are attending a Beth Moore seminar, live via satelite. You would really love it...she is so powerful and real. Her focus is the parable in Luke 8. Read it and soak in the Word this weekend. Sounds like you need some heavenly strength. But know that your earthly friends are here for you!! Hang in there chickie.

    Guess our countdown clocks are pretty similar, so I understand the anxiousness. We both need to just "breathe" and enjoy every moment!! RIGHT?!!!!!

    -ginnie

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  2. Hey, I understand your pain and your realization! I too am often jealous of the other half of the population. But I too see that God has equipped me to take care of myself. It is often when we least want to see the blessings that we have that God puts something or someone in our path to make us realize how fortunate we are.

    -Amanda

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  3. Anonymous1:37 AM

    Hey Tippa,

    I want you to know that I read your blog once a week. I just LOVE reading about your life.

    I totally understand your blog, having just moved away from home. And i will agree with Ginnie, having a spouse doesn't always make things easier. Sometimes simple decisions feel like they have to go to a Senate committee for approval.

    Just believe and follow your heart. Your heart knows where you need to go. And continue to enjoy the beauty of the moment. Single or married, it can be very easy to miss.

    Miss you a lot and hope to see you at the holidays

    Emily

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  4. Tippa,

    Again, agreeing with Ginnie (she's seems like a great friend) spouses aren't always your "saving grace." HE is! And it's so nice to have those ah-ha moments, where we are humbled before the one who takes care of us; happy or sad, bitter or thankful!

    Hang in there...as cliche as this sounds, you are much stronger and wiser due to this experience. Take notice of the days you feel like this, and thank the Lord you have someone to vent to when you need it!

    Praying...

    Katie :)

    P.S. Gracie has NEVER been afraid of storms, but this summer she has freaked out every time there is one. I'm talking found her in the towel cabinet when I came home from work scared...very strange!

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  5. Even though I am married and while my husband and I were in Italy, he deployed alot so I maybe felt .001% of what you are feeling and I know it stunk! You do learn alot about yourself - sometimes more than you want to know! But there are those times when you just want to whine with someone who loves you no matter what. I will be praying you find that person.

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