In the Waiting

“Why singleness isn’t a pause — it’s preparation.”

---

BY SIMONE SNEAD

I used to think waiting for the right relationship meant pressing pause on life, like the good part of the story would only begin once I met “him” AKA “my man, my man, my man.” I told myself, “When I’m married… then I’ll feel settled. Then I’ll be complete. Next chapter me, PLEASE”!

But over the years, God has been teaching me that waiting isn’t wasted; it’s a season He uses to shape us. It’s not a punishment; it’s preparation. And let me tell you, it’s been the best time of my life!

I won’t pretend it’s always easy. There are moments when the desire for my Boaz hits like never before — like when I go to a wedding alone or when I imagine the family I hope to have one day. Those feelings are real, and I honor them. But what’s changed is that I no longer see singleness as a gap in my life; I see it as space! Space to grow, to heal, to pursue what matters, and to discover who I am outside of someone else’s story.

Singleness has taught me that being chosen by God is more secure than being chosen by a person. It’s taught me that joy isn’t on the other side of the altar; it’s available right here, in this season of becoming.

It’s also taught me how to enjoy my own company: solo dinners, solo travel (love me an all-inclusive), even sitting in my own silence and feeling at peace. My worth isn’t delayed until someone chooses me; I am already chosen by God. And I’m learning to trust His timing — not as a cliché, but as something I’m living out daily.

The waiting has also opened my eyes to the beauty of friendships, community, and calling. I’ve discovered the joy of deep sisterhood (my girls are EVERYTHING, okay!!!), the freedom of saying yes to opportunities without hesitation, and the gift of becoming more myself before I ever become someone’s partner.

If you’re also in this season, I want to say: you’re not late to your own life.

This part of the journey is not a pause; it’s part of the story. There’s something valuable happening in the unseen, in your faith, in your character, and in the quiet ways God is preparing you for what’s ahead.

I’m learning that the waiting isn’t about sitting still for the next chapter to arrive. It’s about living fully, right now and trusting that when the time is right, love will find its place in the story God’s already writing.