I understand now why Paul said he wished people remain single, as he was. When married, your priority is serving your spouse. When single, your priority can be serving in church. Marriage isn’t bad, & neither is singleness, but there is a blessing in the freedom of singleness.

I didn’t appreciate this before I was married, but the way I spend my time has changed a lot. When I was single my time was completely mine. I could spend a lot more of it ministering outside of my home. Now, my ministry and priority is my home.

I don’t like giving clichés about singleness because I got very tired of hearing them when my heart’s desire was marriage. But I encourage those who are single & doing the work of the Lord to value the time they’re able to devote, because marriage (& children) will change things.

Side note: there is nothing wrong with desiring marriage. Some people will say, “Just be content”, as if it’s impossible to be content in the Lord while hoping for a spouse. That isn’t true.