“It caught me surprise that Sundays are so hard,” shared my recently single friend. Oh, I could’ve told you that. Sunday is the most challenging day of the week.
Single on Sunday, and every other day of the week
Lingering in the foyer after church, visiting with my family in Christ, I watch them gather their regulars and herd them out the door. Heading home or to the agreed upon restaurant for Sunday lunch, families and couples enjoy their routine traditions without thinking about it. I know; I spent years looking forward to Sundays.
Saying good-bye, I turn and walk away with my Bible and my void and go home to scrounge through the refrigerator and eat alone at the kitchen bar. Usually, I eat at the table, but not for Sunday lunch.
Sunday is definitely the hardest day of the week, because I’m single.
Growing up, my family spent every Sunday at Ma-Ma’s for lunch after church. Without a really good excuse, our feet were expected to be under her table. The menu rotated between pot roast, chicken spaghetti, cold ham and Kentucky Fried Chicken. After my grandparents passed away, my mom assumed command of the kitchen and the family gatherings continued. When I moved away, my immediate family cooked together or went out after church. Then, the chairs around my table grew emptier and emptier as kids moved away and middle age divorce. Now I sit alone.
Sunday is the most challenging day of the week
To the church,
Look around. That strong woman who looks like she’s confident walking alone is dying to be part of someone’s Sunday lunch. The emptiness she feels is magnified when everyone hurries in pairs or groups to their cars. She longs to be part of family day. Welcome others into your completeness; invite someone to sit at your table.
“Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone – especially to those in the family of faith.” Galatians 6:10 (NLT)
To the single woman (or man),
Look around. You aren’t the only one who is sitting alone. Use your own need to meet the needs of others. Be bold and ask other singles who leave the sanctuary sans family. Make a new tradition by breaking bread with others on Sunday. Turn your loneliness into an opportunity to serve; someone has to make the first move.
Sunday is the most challenging day of the week, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians 1:4 (NLT)
Sunday’s purpose
Sunday isn’t really about family or lunch. It’s a day set apart to focus on the Lord. When God leads you to moments of solitude, let Him fill you with His presence. Spend your Sunday resting in Jeohovah’s provision, whether you are alone or enjoying the company of family and friends.
“For the Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” Matthew 12:8 (ESV)
There’s room for you at the table
For years, a ministry idea has simmered in my brain. Then a worldwide pandemic put the brakes on socializing. I think the isolation magnified the loneliness that already lurked under the surface for many of us. According to studies, three in five people suffer from chronic loneliness. And please note, you don’t have to be alone to feel lonely.
I’ve been known to host Thanksgiving dinner for international students and eat turkey with chopsticks. Over the years, I’ve taken Jesus’ words literally to feed people and take them into my home. Maybe someday I’ll tell you about the girls who showed up in my driveway and then lived with me all summer. I say all that to say, I believe in hospitality. It’s part of who God made me to be. Even though sometimes I don’t act like it.
For the last few weeks, I’ve been hinting at a new direction. I’ve soft pitched it out to my email followers and now I’m ready to invite you in on the plan. If you’re on my newsletter email list, you’ve already got a seat. If you’re only on the blog list, you’ll need to sign up for the meaty details.
CLICK HERE to learn more and CLICK HERE to sign up. And hey, I’d love for you to invite your friends to join too. SHARE THIS with your friends. The more the merrier.
“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.” 1 Peter 4:9 (NLT)
Photo cred: Carol Feil
Oh my goodness …. so much truth . My own sister ( because her husband has dementia ) experiences this loneliness . Her spouse of 42 years is there , but not there. No one to share a meal with. Sunday’s are her worst day as well. We all do what we can to gather her in… and she’s learning how to do more and have more interaction …. but normal is gone. Love this… I’m gonna make sure she get it .
Also, I’m going to be better going forward to pay attention to the singles in our congregation and work places. TY for putting these things on paper and sharing !
I feel like I know your sister. Bless her heart, that’s so unimaginably hard. Would love to hear about the singles in your church if you are able to host them. Lots more tips to come on the emails.
Vickie, I will never forget your kindness in inviting me to have Christmas lunch with you and your parents several years ago when I was alone all of the time, but especially alone on that Sunday. It still blesses me each time I remember your kindness and generosity!!!! Love you!!!
That was special for me too. It was a hard day and I was glad to have you there.