I have possibly the best job in the world. By far, it’s the best job I’ve ever had – if it can be called a job at all.
I’m thankful.
My job this week is hanging out with some of the nicest guys there are, sitting while someone else drives, waiting while someone else plays and then – for forty-five minutes – singing and speaking about God. Like I said, not sure it can even be called a job.
Why so out of sorts then?
Maybe it’s the blanket of gray over Alberta today, or the sudden drop in temperature. Maybe it’s the flat tire this morning, or too much hotel food, or the forced fast from my cell phone sans international calling plan. Maybe. But I’m pretty sure it’s biblical.
Single people, listen up. Pay no attention to your mom or your well-intentioned friends. You don’t need to get married. You’re not half a person in need of someone else to make you a whole one. The bible says “two become one.” That’s two whole people becoming one whole person.
1 + 1 = 1
Not
1/2 + 1/2 = 1
Strange math huh? God’s math.
Beautiful math.
Painful math.
Because now, when I’m not with my wife I feel like half a man. And, in a sense, in a way I can’t begin to articulate, I am. And that hurts. It’s supposed to I think.
It’s a pain greater than missing someone you love. And it’s too deep to heal with a phone call or e-mail. The only medicine is presence. Intimacy.
Two more days and I’m cured.
Chris Sullivan says:
Oh, the life of a rockstar…
I better go call it off…
Kidding on all accounts. Hope you are well and lots of kids are getting sponsored.
Megan says:
I liked your spelling out the math there so plainly. I still have so many singles I know who feel the sting of their situation and believe it to be less than.
I’m glad I’m where I am, with my husband and four girlies. Honestly. But I also fully realize now that I could be 35 and single and be okay.
But it would be hard. But it would be okay.
FzxGkJssFrk says:
Probably the number one reason I haven’t taken the dive into music. Well said.
And yes, you do have one of the best jobs in the world, and don’t forget it. 🙂
Ron says:
Would you please pray for a couple who are some of my wife my best friends. the “he” lost his “her” to post-surgical complications recently. Your math reminded me of them. the pain has been really intense for all of us. but i just don’t know how my friend is surviving.
don’t mean to be a “downer.” but the prayers for Dave after the passing of his Lynda would be appreciated.
Shaun Groves says:
Doing it right now, Ron. Thanks for letting us help.
NancyTyler says:
Ron, I’m praying for Dave too.
I lost my husband a long time ago but most of the time now I feel like a whole “1” and am content with being alone. But sometimes, when I’m not expecting it, instead of feeling like just Nancy, the feeling of being “Mike’s widow” becomes sharp and fresh and tearful again. It really is a ‘half a life’ feeling at those times and there is no cure on this earth for it.
Not a downer, just part of real life. God is good. And Dave has good friends in you and your wife for supporting him.
Kristie says:
That is the sweetest thing I’ve read in a while!
A+ on the math!
Angie in Tejas says:
Well said, brother, and something that most non-musicians don’t think about – the price you pay to tour (once you’re married). I always think about how, when Billy Graham was asked if there was anything he regretted about his incredible ministry and his response was “I wish I would’ve been with my family more.” His wife would sleep with his jacket at night to be able to smell him while he traveled. What a sacrifice! And I can imagine that finding that balance of getting “enough” time at home is tough. How do you define “enough”? I’ve also begun to pray for the marriages of those in ministry and music, because I know that traveling is sooo hard on it. Movies like “Walk the Line” made me realize that. May God bless your marriage and help those 3 days go very fast..
Geof says:
3 words “SKYPE it baby!”
Hey Shaun
I spent 3 years total from my family when I was in the millitary. God bless Skype, it is free if they are on too. Need a webcam is the only thing. You can read to your kids, sing to your wife, and they can even laugh at your jokes.
go to http://www.skype.com
Debbie G. says:
Luckily, God is in the funky math business. Just think fishes and loaves. I know I am counting on that in my life – my husband died in January after 3 years of marriage. I am counting on God multiplying the years we had to last me the rest of my life. And while my brain tells me I am still a whole person, my heart isn’t convinced. Luckily, God is also in the business of broken hearts. I’m doing my best to be thankful for what I did have and simply trust in Him, one day at a time. Thanks for the reminder that it is God’s math – and not my math – that counts!
Lindsey says:
I feel your pain! I think one of the hardest things I ever had to do was survive (and I didn’t think I would at times) during the 2 longgggg 15 month deployments while my husband was in Iraq.
I think I survived on “love is patient” and “absence makes the heart grow fonder”….eh’ not much help, I know, haha. Hang in there!
TC says:
Slightly off topic and I know you know this, but that picture of Becky shows how gorgeous she is.
Zack says:
True bro.
I highly, highly recommend marriage, but I also commend my single brothers and sisters to enjoy their single days while they last.
Jen says:
Shaun, you (and Becky!) should be very grateful that I DID pay no attention to my (well-intentioned) mom. She’s wanted to marry me off to YOU ever since she saw you walk across the foyer of our church before Sunday worship one time many moons ago. I think I’ve finally convinced her that you’re already married and have a whole passel of kids. (Plus, you were wearing a purple and orange striped shirt with metallic thread–at least, the shirt was shiny somehow. Who DOES that?!) 😀
Shaun Groves says:
Whoa. That was many moons ago. In my shiny shirt era. Only outdone by my furry pants era. The two overlapped slightly, which was nearly apocalyptic.
Jen says:
Furry pants. Yikes. Although, I think I might have had better luck talking her out of planning the wedding if I could have pointed out the possibility that you are crazy (in addition to being married and with kids) because really, as if the shiny shirt weren’t enough…furry pants. No way, Mom. Sorry.