Janet:  It’s kind of funny that you just used the word “desire.” Another thing I hear all the time is: “If it’s the desire of your heart to be married, God will grant that desire.” What do you think?

Kathleen:  That is a number one question! “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” You know what I started doing? I started praying a number of years ago for Him to change my desire. And He has, but that doesn’t mean you don’t go through a certain season. Since Christmas last year, I was doing great, and things have been wonderful. Then, all of a sudden, I saw my niece and my nephew. They’re getting married and it’s hard to fight that I’m the old maid aunt. I don’t think they necessarily view me that way, but that was how I was feeling.  A friend of mind said, “That’s one day in a lifetime of events; one event in a lifetime of events.” And it was. It was difficult, but it’s over. I’m happy today, you know?  There are seasons. 

Janet:  Yes!

Kathleen:  Or, like Valentine’s Day. I used to pretend the day didn’t exist. Everybody but me was getting flowers. But you know what I’ve decided to do?  I’ve decided to encourage somebody else. When we encourage others, we don’t usually feel sorry for ourselves.

Janet:  Do you ever think that there’s a time to quit hoping? To believe that God has said “No” to our desire to marry?

Kathleen:  I think some people are very, very content with being single, but most women I talk to are not. I love the apostle Paul where he talks about “I’m content with whatever state I’m in.” Another verse that I absolutely love says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.” That’s kind of my prayer, that last verse. I mean, think about it. As we’re growing in the Lord, we’re growing in whatever He’s called us to. I believe that’s contentment. But that does not mean there are not times when it’s difficult. That does not mean there are not times when it’s painful.  That does not mean there’s not hurt. I know a 50-year-old woman who never thought she was going to be married – a guy comes into her life, he was widowed, and now she’s got an instant family. Anyway, again, I think it depends. I wish I could say, “I’ve arrived at contentment!” But that is not true. It’s a process. It’s a process.