Freedom of singleness

Today I'm exercising my "rights" as a single person. I woke up around 9:30am to a quiet house, and then went back to sleep for another hour. I went for a run leisurely then browsed the free movies on netflix for about 10 minutes. I drank my coffee at noon and am still considering my next move. It's a Saturday without plans and since I'm single (no husband, kids or pets) - I can do whatever I want. It's quite a liberating feeling in this season of life.

While many might read the description of my day and think - she's got it made, I have other thoughts. I have to intentionally remind myself of the joys of singleness. The freedoms it provides and opportunities it gives for spontaneity and acting carefree are here right now, in this moment. I need to embrace them and enjoy them. Soak them in. Today was one of those days it was easy to embrace my life stage. I'm grateful for that.

It's funny how I long for a season of life where I am forced to concede and share my days with others, as a wife and mother. Those roles are desires of my heart and yet it's giving up a lot! I am in a great season - one that teenagers crave when they have curfews and rules. But now that I've been at it for 10 years I vacillate between perfecting it and longing for it to end.

 So while I lean into my current life stage as a single woman, I pray I would soak in the quiet moments alone, the spontaneous moments with friends, the flexibility of plans and the ability to say yes or no without having to check with someone. I pray those future roles of wife and mother are one day mine, but until then - I will try to heed the words of Paul to the Corinthians

I want you to be free from the concerns of this life - an unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord's work and thinking how to please him. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities. His interests are divided. In the same way an unmarried woman can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and spirit...I am saying this to you for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best with as few distractions as possible. - 1 Cor. 7:32-35

Excercising the right to vote

I voted early yesterday downtown at the board of elections office. I was struck by a couple observations and in true "Linda fashion" I was sidetracked and reflective. So here ya go.

As I walked into the Board of Elections, I was behind 3 adults and 2 children, all African Americans and was in line directly in front of 2 old white men both complaining about the perceived long wait. As we waded past the campaigning and barrage of fliers we navigated through the building to the line. I didn't know anyone so I got to observe the dynamics around me and remembered how awesome it is to be in a country where we can exercise our right to vote. As I was waiting in line, I saw a women around my age leave the voting booth and head down the escalator. She was walking so proudly, with her head held high and full of dignity. It was beautiful.

I'm the kind of person who gets sentimental and overwhelmed in situations where there is unity of purpose. That might sound weird, but I have been known to get teary-eyed at the beginning of a 5k, knowing we are all here with our unique circumstances but after this one goal, together. I felt the same way at the board of elections, being a part of something bigger and seeing everyone get a chance to participate.

So as I reflected on this experience and walked down the escalator with my head held high with dignity, I instantly remembered the last scene from Amazing Grace (which is fantastic and I included it below). This movie points out how 1 person really can make a lasting difference in the lives of so many. 1 person can be spurred on by passion and a higher calling to truly change the world for the better.

William Wilberforce sought the support of so many who resonated with his calling. That's what I feel like Charity:Water founder Scott Harrison has done too. He chose this September to launch a campaign to create a lasting change in Rwanda and I have partnered with this organization to commit $5000 to the water organization project. The people living in Rulindo district of Rwanda don't have access to clean water. Without this basic need, many die and others spend their lives finding this precious resource.
There is still so much injustice in the world today. Why are we able to lay down $500 on a weekend to an indoor waterpark while the citizens of Rulindo have to walk for hours to find a stream of dirty water for their families? Let's be present-day advocates for positive change and partner with existing organizations like Charity:Water or International Justice Mission to make a change for generations to come.(And if any of you want to come with me to the Justice Conference in February to further consider what we can do today - let me know!)