I think the point of his I really appreciate is how often we as singles can be tempted to idealize marriage as if it were a completely pain-free and blissful state. While it is a great blessing, it is not without its trials and cares as well. And, as he says, singleness is not without its blessings, one of which is the great freedom to participate in ministry.

"I don't think I ever consciously made a decision to stay single. I was just too busy with ministry and so didn't get around to it."

I admit, this point - or at least the way he stated it here - made me angry. I can think of a lot of men in their 30s and 40s who are still single because they "didn't get around to it". But one day perhaps they will wake up and decide that now maybe it is time to "get around to it", and want to have a wife and family. But they don't have to pay the same price of waiting as women do.

Plus, I'm still waiting to find all this free time and flexibility I'm supposed to have as a single woman to participate in ministry. I would also argue that sometimes married women have opportunities for ministry that single women may not have.

However, I realize marriage is not always blissful, and I'd rather be unhappily single than unhappily married (I'm still working on the 'content in everything' state, obviously).

I do agree with much of what drliz stated I didn't find myself angry with the statement of not getting around to it, actually thought wow can't get more simple than that:) But it also ties into his being gifted, the one that is not is seeking it and desire no less to do the Lords will but for that single commited to ministry, they are blessed not to have the concern of oh will I ever marry, like myself who is also working on being content:):)

Well let me add that I did once whine to the Lord in this way but that isn't a thought that comes to mind but the desire to marry is still there. Can't say I'm so busy in ministry that time would just pass and it not happen, it's truly a waiting game in which I praise God I do not do in agony. Not sure if I ever suspected marriage to be blissful so much as I was given the desire for it yet it went unfulfilled. But the growing as I wait has been phenomenal...and i can go on for a few more paragraphs so I'll end it with those words:)

As a single woman, I appreciated this article. I particularly appreciated the advice to the church body to include singles. There is one family in my church that has done this with me and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Often, families seem to forget about singles. We really do like to share fellowship, counsel and care with families. It's easier for us to feel like we belong in the church that way.