Found

"No, I don't have a boyfriend," was my trained response to the woman inquiring.

I heard my words ring out as I glanced down at the toys in my hand. I was unarmed by my unfamiliar tone and although I had answered this question enough times to be a pro, I still managed to be uprooted in my emotions. 

She gasped as she stopped her task to look over at me. "But, why not," she said in disbelief. I seem to have mixed feelings about her reaction. I began to resist my trained response that well communicates my thoughts on the world view of relationships, sex, love and dating. Instead I wanted to know the real answer as to why I am still single.
Yes, I know, it is my personal decision to not date (or make eye contact with) just any ole chum that asks for my number mid highway traffic (unfortunately this does happen often). But, if I may be perfectly honest, which I WILL be, I would really like to respond to the next person that inquires of my relationship status with a resounding YES and a glowing smile- maybe even uncontrollable bursts of giggling. 

Ah, to be loved, to be wanted, to belong. Not that I need the physical presence of a man in my life to be all those things, I have Jesus, I know, don't get me wrong. I am not hopelessly seeking to be made complete by a soul mate. But I do know that I have been made not just for myself, but for the delight of another. 

This woman's response was nothing short of beautiful to me. She reminded me that I am something of such high value- like a pearl- and a one in a million chance at finding me, this priceless prize. How surprised she was to find that I am still unclaimed and yet to be discovered. 

So I turned to her with a smile, and instead of my usual remedy reply, I remembered I'm valuable, so valuable. And I said to her, "I'm still waiting to be found." And I am content in this. I am not worried or hurried in this season of beauty.

I will be patient.

And I will be found.