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The great philosopher, Anonymous, once said, "If you choose to not find joy in the snow, you will have less joy in your life but the same amount of snow."

This essay is about how a native Alaskan rediscovered this principle in my own life.

I was surprised in April 2021 when M. Russell Ballard announced in a general conference talk that now more than half of all Latter-day Saint adults are single.

About that same time changes started appearing in the General Handbook, including section "14. Single Members":

As directed by the Spirit, single members are called to leadership and teaching positions. Leadership callings may include serving in the following positions:

• Ward and stake organization presidencies
• Elders quorum presidencies
• Bishopric counselors
• High councilors
• Stake presidency counselors

At the time I was serving in a young single adult stake, and I was thrilled that our young singles were going to have great learning and growing experiences.

Then the unthinkable happened: I found myself "involuntarily single."

And man... It. Was. So. Hard.

And for me, it was so hard for a long time.

And when I thought I was finally past it and doing well again, I'd slip back.

One night, after a long, tear-soaked bedtime prayer, the Spirit said, "Tom, I am sorry it is so hard for you right now, I really am. But you are exactly where I need you to be."

I was stunned.

It never occurred to me that God could need me as a single adult.

"And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work." (Doctrine and Covenants 4:5)

Yes, the General Handbook says that God needs us singlites (pronounced: single-ites) to assist in His work, nevertheless, for some reason, I did not believe that Father needed me. (I hope that made sense.)

I saw myself as banished from the mainstream of The Church to the Island of Misfit Toys — this whole other world far removed from the view of married Latter-day Saints — to await the day when I would be allowed to once again sit in the cool kids' pews at church with a companion.

Thankfully, I have had that same prompting (the Spirit telling me I am currently where Father needs me to be) four times now — which is rare for me — and I fully trust it. By the grace of God, I am in a better place now than I was before. I am happy.

Which brings me to why this website exists.

The mission of An Eye Single is to build faith in Christ among Latter-day Saint single adults, (a.k.a. "singlites"), while also offering hope, guidance, and belonging.

To do this, we prayerfully seek out advice, wisdom, experiences, inspiration, research, and the words of the prophets which will benefit singlites. Not everything we post is for everyone, but we hope there is something for everyone in the content we post.

By the way, each and every one of our contributors loves God, and loves single Latter-day Saints. We do. We love you. We care about how you are doing, and where you are headed.

In conclusion, if you are struggling from time to time, I'm sorry that it is hard for you right now, I am. But have you ever thought that perhaps you might be exactly where God needs you to be?

I know that no matter what is happening in your life right now, thanks to our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the love of others (including people you haven't even met yet), it will get better.

God sees you.

Peace,
Tom Pittman

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