relationships and reflections

In the past month, the most exciting news that I kept hearing was "ohh did you hear about so-and-so? They're dating now!" while at the same time, the saddest news was hearing about couples I know breaking up.

I wonder why it is that for most of us, we long to find our 'soulmate' - I had always known one day that I wanted to get married to the "man of my dreams"

I think it's because God created humans for relationship. Firstly to Him, and then to each other. And so even for couples who seem perfect for one another, if God is not at the centre, there will still be dissatisfaction and feelings of emptiness that the other person will never be able to fill. Because it is God alone who satisfies and God who blesses us with beautiful relationships with other people.

Not saying that Christian couples will have the perfect relationship - they still go through difficult times and may break up. And I think it's because we do live in a fallen world, and even Christians still struggle with their sinful nature and will do things to hurt others, and themselves.

So I guess, my reflections lead me to conclude that firstly, we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling that we may become children of God, blameless and pure in this crooked and depraved generation.

And secondly, work hard at your relationships, so that we may be united in love and spirit - including your significant other, if God has given you someone at this point in your life.

As for me, I never used to understand how people could say 'enjoy singleness' but I think now I do, a little. It's true, dating takes up a lot of time, energy, (money for guys if they are very nice to their gf and pay for them) and you tend to go on a crazy emotional rollercoaster.

But!

(yes, there's always a but =P)

I also never would have imagined the amazing closeness and bond you have when you come to know another person as well as yourself. I have never realised how happy you are when you make the other person happy.

Now, all those soppy love songs on the radio suddenly make more sense. And to know, to feel, to taste, to experience the shy tenderness of love as it blossoms and grows and becomes tangible and real until it hurts - it's beautiful.