Sharon glanced around the sanctuary and chose a seat next to an older woman. She slid into the row just as the opening hymn started. This was her third Sunday at this new church and it seemed to be going well so far. The pastor’s messages were encouraging, and the people were friendly. She turned her attention to the big screen and sang along with the rest of the congregation.

           “And now, children are dismissed for Sunday school. Please, take a minute to greet someone, especially someone you don’t know.”

            Sharon turned to the older woman next to her and reached out her hand. “Hi. I’m Sharon. I’m fairly new here. Have you been coming her for long?”

            The woman took Sharon’s hand. “Oh, yes. My husband and I have attended here for nearly 40 years. I’m Donna.”

            “It’s lovely to meet you, Donna. Is your husband here today?”

            Donna shook her head. “No. He’s not quite up to being here today. But I’ll tell him all about it. He’s such a wonderful listener.”

            Sharon raised her eyebrows. “That’s so nice to hear. It sounds like you have a lovely marriage. How long have you two been married?”

            “Forty-seven years this June.”

            “Wow. That’s so great. What’s your secret?”

            Donna’s brow furrowed. “Why, there’s no secret. Gary is simply a wonderful man. He’s faithful, kind, and loving. He’s always happy to see me, and he never complains, even when I babble on and on. He listens patiently and I know he loves me very much. I’m blessed, indeed.”

          “I’m so happy for you. It’s so lovely to hear of a lasting love. Thank you for telling me about him.”

           “Of course, dear. Is there anyone special in your life?

            Sharon forced a smile. “No, not really.”

           “Oh, that’s a shame. I’ll pray your time comes soon and Mr. Right sweeps you off of your feet.”

            Sharon kept the polite smile in place. “I’ll keep an eye out for him.” She took her seat as the pastor started speaking, but her mind was too distracted. Donna seemed like a nice woman, and sure, it was great for her to have such an amazing husband, but a root of bitterness took hold Sharon’s heart and started growing. Here she was, nearly 40 years old, without even a boyfriend. She’d dreamed of marriage and a family for years, but God hadn’t brought her the right man. Being in church didn’t help. It was filled with happy couples. She’d made it a point to sit next to Donna, as she was one of the few women not paired with someone. Sharon let out a sigh. What was wrong with her? Why did God bless everyone but her?

            As the service drew to a close, Sharon gathered her things, said goodbye to Donna, and made her way out toward her car.

            “Sharon, wait up.”
            Sharon turned to find her coworker, Rhonda, hurrying to catch up with her. “I thought that was you. I’ve never seen you here before.”

             “I’ve only been attending a few weeks. I didn’t know this was your church.”

             “Sure is. We love it here. They have a great kids’ program, and Pastor Steve is a wonderful preacher. Have you met anyone here yet?”

              Sharon adjusted her purse on her shoulder. “I have. I sat with a lovely older woman today. Her name was Donna.”

             “Donna Stevenson?”
            Sharon shrugged. “She didn’t tell me her last name, but she told me about her husband. I think his name is Gary.”

             Rhonda’s smile faded. “Yes, that’s Donna Stevenson. Such a wonderful woman. It’s so sad about Gary.”

             “What do you mean? Is he very ill? She said he wasn’t up to coming to church today.”

              “He hasn’t been to church in almost a year. Not since his stroke.”

              Sharon blinked. “Donna didn’t mention anything about that. She talked about how wonderful he is.”
            Rhonda pressed a hand to her chest. “That’s so sweet. Gary was such a vibrant man. Always telling jokes. He was an active member of the church until his stroke. Now he can’t move his right side, and has lost his ability to speak. Poor Donna. She stays by his side night and day, even though there’s a home health nurse who visits a few days a week. She only leaves him on Sunday mornings and to go to the grocery store.” Rhonda glanced at her watch. “I need to get the kids from Sunday School, but I had to check if it was you. I’ll see you at the office tomorrow.” Rhonda turned back the way she had come, leaving Sharon frozen in place.

           Donna’s words echoed in Sharon’s mind.

          “Gary is a wonderful man: faithful, kind, and loving. Always happy to see me, and he never complains, even when I babble on and on. He listens patiently and I know he loves me very much. I’m blessed, indeed.”

           A tear ran down Sharon’s cheek and she swiped at it. Hurrying out the door, she closed herself in her car and let the tears flow freely, sending up a silent prayer.

            “God, please forgive me for my bitterness. Help me remember my blessings and not focus on what I don’t have. I trust You have a plan for me.”

1 Timothy 6: 6-7

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

God, please help us not to compare ourselves with others. We never know what struggles they face. And no matter the state we find ourselves in life, help us be content. Help us trust in the plan You have for us, even if it doesn’t look like what we had envisioned for our life. You are a good Father and you know what we need. Thank you for Your never-ending love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.