Perks of Being Han Solo

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, then you’ve probably heard that “Star Wars” has exchanged hands, and a new generation will experience the awesomeness of the ultimate portrayal of the battle between good and evil.  Yes, I’m geeking out!

But you’re probably wondering what in the world, or for that matter the universe, does “Star Wars” have to do with being single?

Imagine, if you will, your life is a movie. Not just any movie, but an epic blockbuster adventure like “Star Wars.” You and your lovable, unique sidekick are like Han Solo and Chewbacca giving the bad guys a run for their money in their trusty ship, the Millenium Falcon. Sounds like fun doesn’t it? Well, what if I told you that your life is exactly like that?

As a single guy, if I’m being totally honest, I must admit that many times in my life I’ve gotten so caught up in plot of my own story that I forget to enjoy the adventure.

If you’re single, you are solo. That’s a fact. And like Han Solo from “Star Wars,” you’re probably at times witty, sarcastic, hotheaded and rough around the edges. Sure you’re lovable, but you’re not perfect. And really, what fun would it be if you were perfect? But there’s something about being solo that’s special.

If you just rolled your eyes, I get it. I didn’t really see it at first either.

So what are the perks of being solo?  Believe it or not, there are a few.

I remember that first drive, leaving home to go off to college. I had no idea what I was in for. I loaded up my ’94 Toyota and headed south from Alabama to Florida. I wasn’t sure what I was doing. All I could see was the road ahead of me. I didn’t have a clue that in mere hours I would start classes and meet people who would set my life on a course that I never dreamed possible.

Over the next few years, I would make great memories. People would come in and out of my life. It was a strange time because, although it should have been the happiest of times, I struggled with depression.

I hated being solo. All I wanted was someone to share my life with. Was that too much to ask?

Soon college ended, and I graduated. I came face to face with a mortifying truth: I was going to have to move back home, probably live with my parents and find a job!  I know many of you just cringed, remembering that feeling.

My future was still a mystery. I was still just a solitary dreamer with no job, no love interest and little to no idea what I was going to do career-wise. So really, what are the perks of being solo, right?

Well, remember Han Solo’s lovable, unique sidekick Chewbacca?  Well, I had one too—the Holy Spirit. You’re probably thinking that’s a stretch, but is it really? Think about it. When Chewbacca spoke, it wasn’t discernable to everyone, including the movie-going audience. Yet for Han Solo, everything he said made sense. They shared inside jokes. They could dialogue openly with each other despite their emotions. And more importantly, everywhere Han Solo went, so did Chewbacca. I think you see what I’m getting at.

Those years after college was where the plot of my life’s story began to develop. Sure it was difficult, and sometimes it still is. But with the Holy Spirit by my side, I set out on some pretty cool adventures. I played in a Christian rock band with some of my best friends. I went on mission trips to Guatemala. I started developing my writing skills. I even set out on a whole new adventure. Those are some serious perks to being solo!

I remember the day I got the phone call. I had a job offer to move to the Dallas/Fort Worth area to work for one of the largest Christian television networks in the world. It was like leaving for college all over again. I remember feeling nervous and excited at the same time. And as I pulled out of the driveway, right there with me was my sidekick, my best friend, the Holy Spirit.

It’s not been a perfect journey. I’ve made mistakes along the way and had to deal with some pretty hairy situations, but that’s all part of being solo. Sometimes you’re going to find yourself in places or circumstances thinking, “Well, this is it. I don’t see a way out of this. It was a good run.” Remember, Han Solo found himself in hot water on more than one occasion. He has been slapped, pinned down and even frozen. Then in comes Chewbacca, and everything works out.

So in your years between birth and marriage, don’t dread being single. That’s easier said than done, I know. It takes me stepping back each day to look at the whole picture of my life. That’s when I realize that I’ve lived an amazing adventure so far, and it’s really just beginning.

Embrace your solo time. Think of these as the Millenium Falcon years when you and your best friend, the Holy Spirit, can set out on unexpected adventures where you’ll share some laughs, meet interesting people and maybe even change the course of history.

Now, those are the real perks of being solo!