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I'm a single mother of two teenagers. Sunday afternoons, when my kids visit their dad, is the only time I have to myself. But it can be a lonely time if I just sit around the house. I've lived in a small mountain community near Lake Tahoe for the past 20 years, yet I rarely do outdoor activities because I'm too busy taking care of the business of life. This summer, I decided to get to know my own backyard. I have an outdoorsy friend at church, so each Sunday at coffee hour I asked her to recommend a hike. Then, after I dropped the kids off at their dad's, I followed her recommendation. She hasn't steered me wrong yet! I don't take anyone with me; this is my time alone with God in his creation. I've been blessed with some wonderful experiences and am looking forward to snowshoeing and skiing on Sunday afternoons this winter.

Claire

Sunday afternoon used to be a real problem for me. All of my close friends have families and kids which meant I spent most of the day being a babysitter. My teenage "too-cool-for-relatives" nieces and nephews now have lives of their own and spend Sundays with friends. And accepting lunch invitations from every man who isn't my type just to have something to do became pathetic. Gone were the days of Sundays at Grandma's and family dinners, and I felt like I fell through a crack in the social calendar. So, I reverted to staying in, ordering lunch, and watching TV, napping, or working.

Just as I'd resigned myself to this routine, I suddenly had thrust upon me the role of being a Big Sister to an eight year old girl whose mother died in a car accident. It was one of the best things I ever did. Now, I take my "Little" to church with me and then we do an activity together. What used to be down time has become a slot in my schedule when I get my mind off myself and focus on someone else's need. Sundays are now the most rewarding part of my week.

Malisa

I love magazines! My favorite Sunday afternoon practice is to have lunch after church at home, turn my phone's ringer off, put on a worship CD, and spend the entire afternoon reading magazines. I clip any special coupons or recipes I want for myself or to share with friends or family. I read interesting articles on things I can do to improve me or my home. I learn about new techniques for hair or makeup or wall finishing or cooking. I learn about nutrition, family life, food, home, and health. I also get to spend time with just me (and God, of course!). It's the most relaxing time of my week.

B.

I love gathering all my single friends for a potluck lunch on Sundays. We put out games for the kids, eat, and watch movies. This is even more fun during football season!

Wendy

To combat Sunday afternoon loneliness, my friends and I are on a volleyball team that plays on Sunday nights. It takes up about two hours, and we also get exercise and some social interaction. So during Sunday afternoon I usually get all of my shopping and laundry done for the week and then go play volleyball. By the time the game is over, I'm worn out and ready to go home and relax.

Denise

One of the families in my church has an open invitation to the college and career adults on Sunday afternoons. We eat a lot, talk a lot, and usually end up either swimming, going to the park, or curling up with a movie after the meal. Praise the Lord for saints like these who open up their home on a regular basis!

Esther

On Sundays I take my "Jesus Saves" surfboard and go surfing. Trust me, there's no such thing as surfing lonely or alone. I thank God for every wave I can still ride.

Jeff

I think Sunday afternoon loneliness is universal among single people. The format at most churches is: preachers preach, teachers teach, say and prayer, and go home. The main problem is that singles go home alone.

At the Dallas mega-church I attend (Prestonwood Baptist Church), a group of singles decided to do something about Sunday afternoon loneliness. We formed Single Spirit, an unofficial group that meets on Sundays from 5-7:00p.m.

We have a 20-minute "single mingle" before class, watch a videotape on a topic pertinent to singles (such as "Boundaries in Dating" or "Finding the Love of Your Life"), then break into small groups with three assigned questions from the video. After 30 minutes of discussion, moderators (one male, one female) ask each group to share what they discussed. Everyone gets to talk, share, listen, and hear each other's point of view and experiences on the subject. After the group session, we hang out at a local restaurant or coffee house.

We've grown from 5 people to classes upwards of 55 people, and we've started inviting other church singles groups in the area to join us. This Sunday we expect 100 people!

Ron

On Sundays, I take my nieces and nephew to church with me. It's great to get to spoil the kids and then send them home. Sometimes I'll accept an invite to a barbeque, other times I'll watch one of my brother-in-law's soccer games. Mid-afternoon usually includes a game of HORSE in the park. I also call long-distance relatives, write letters, and plan outing with family or friends with whom I spend too little time. At the end of the day, I prepare for the week ahead, relax, watch TV, and spend some prayer time thanking God for the blessings of the week behind and in the week to come.

Joy

Recently the Lord showed me that the Sabbath is a day when you set aside everything and devote yourself to him. You don't work to make money, but you can spend time with family and friends and be involved in activities that bring glory to God. While I sometimes do these things, I also find I need time alone with God to recoup, refresh, and renew my spirit. I usually go outside on my enclosed deck and sit for a spell. I take my Bible and a tall, cold drink and relax amongst the beauty of God's creation. My time can involve reflection, prayer, praise, petitioning, crying out in frustration, or any combination thereof. The most important aspect is it's just me and God. I find this time special and necessary to revive and enable me to handle whatever life throws my way during the week.

Amber

There used to be many singles at my church around my age, and we'd always go to lunch and hang out together after church. As the years went by, some got married and some moved away. When I found myself spending most Sundays alone, I realized it was finally time to do something I'd always wanted to do: get a puppy!

I prayed about and researched this decision, then finally brought home a 10-week-old Shih Tzu puppy named Buddy in January of 2002. Now, being lonely is no longer an issue.

On Sunday afternoons, Buddy and I go to some of the quaint shore towns nearby. We walk along the beautiful neighborhoods and stop for coffee or ice cream. I'm never at a loss for conversation because people always stop and comment on what a cute dog he is.

When I saw what a great attitude he has, I enrolled him in therapy training. So now we sometimes spend Sunday afternoons at a local nursing home visiting the elderly. They just love him. He truly is a remarkable dog. And a great companion—on all days of the week!

Susan

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