Okay, time to start this book blogging! Now, the question is, where to start? Maybe with the beginning?

Jennifer Marshall’s book, Now and Not Yet: Making Sense of Single Life in the Twenty-First Century, is one that relates to me personally as well as (I feel) a huge percentage of women around the world.

When I first heard of it, however, I was skeptical. I’m single, so I knew it could potentially apply to me. However, I wondered if it wasn’t just like every other advice book out there for women in the areas of romance, dating and relationships. I wondered, “What is different about this book compared to the others already out there?”

In order to answer this question for myself, I obviously had to start reading. What I discovered wasn’t some measly, pathetic advice on how-to-get-a-guy or tips on sex and seduction, but rather a guide to growing closer to God, dealing with the “why's” of romance and rejection, and finding contentment in the “now” period of your life rather than always wishing for the “not yet.”

One thing that stood out to me almost immediately was the introduction. Here Marshall talks about each person’s unique life callings. Life is full of callings. God has a perfect plan for everyone.

He has called me to grow up as the oldest in a family of seven. He has called me to learn a lifetime of patience through living with my sister and brothers, finding the right job in the midst of many closing doors, and in waiting for His perfect timing for my heart’s desires that only God truly knows.

God’s plan is perfect, even if it doesn’t feel like it or seem like it at the time. I’ve been through my share of frustrations, and although I’m still younger than many, God has placed me at a point in my life where He has shown me He provides, that He cares for me and loves me, but has also positioned me in a time of uncertainty. This is for a purpose. I am called to work at PFM at this moment in my life. This is just one of my callings.

For many people, one of their callings is marriage. However, it shouldn’t be considered as the pinnacle of their lives, as the place in life that once reached, will suddenly make life perfect. Each and every person’s ultimate calling is and should be to Jesus Christ. That’s what Marshall emphasizes. And that’s what I love. She doesn’t focus on the potential for what could happen in the future, but rather focuses her readers on what’s happening now.

This is important for everyone. We can’t always look to what “could,” “might,” or “may” happen, but need to take hold of what’s happening in our lives at this very moment and focus on what God has called us to do right now. This way, we’ll keep taking those small steps toward the future, and we’ll be surprised, when we look back, to see all we’ve accomplished simply by keeping our focus on God and what He has called us to do in the “now” period of our lives.