“What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every God-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward him makes it.” Psalm 18:30, (The Message)
Life can be a challenging journey for all of us. But for those of us who are single, even temporarily, the road is often marked by unique twists and long, silent stretches of highway. Few of us plan to travel life solo; to reach a stage of life without a husband. We may wonder if we are even on the right road.
The purpose of this page is to offer encouragement for your journey as a solo traveler. If you've never married, are widowed, divorced, or your husband travels frequently or is deployed, you’ll find tips here for navigating various situations unique to your solo journey.
So fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride!
Solo Starters:
- Trust your travel guide. Tourists on an African safari stick close to their travel guide like flies on flypaper. Just as the safety of the tourists depends on their ability to trust their guide, so we, as Christians, need to live in close fellowship with the Lord. Decision-making can be overwhelming for women alone. But, He, who knows the end of our journeys from the beginning, longs to accompany and direct us along each mile. Our challenge is to scoot over to the passenger seat and trust Jesus to drive.
- Study the map. The Bible is the roadmap for our spiritual journey. Read and meditate on the Word daily. Saturate your life with it. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105
- Travel Light. Confession time: I always try to cram way too much into my suitcase when I travel. And, yes, I pack a heavy a load on my solo journey as well: a garment bag of failed relationships, suitcase stuffed with worries, a carry-on brimming over with loneliness. In the Bible, Peter, an apostle of Christ, tells us to “Cast all your anxiety on him [Christ] because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). It often helps me to picture myself placing whatever is weighing me down into Jesus’ hands.
- Enjoy the ride. We become so focused on goals (I do!) that we miss the blessings God has for us along the way. It’s tempting to put our lives on hold while waiting for “Mr. Right,” or, to live in the memories of happier times. It took a cancer diagnosis for me to truly appreciate the “daily-ness” of life. Single or married, each day is a precious gift from God, to be experienced fully in the moment and with joy.
- Share the journey with others. An introvert by nature, writing professionally presents me with an acceptable excuse for isolating myself from others. But God places people along my life journey—and yours. Look for opportunities to reach out to others—family members, friends, church, and community. “Let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
What are your favorite travel tips for the solo journey? Contact me with your favorite tips and I’ll include them on this page in the future.
Resources for the Road:
- Christian Singles Today
This online edition of Christian Singles includes practical articles for singles from a Christian perspective. - Crosswalk Singles
Site includes articles, free e-zine, and forums for singles. - Flying Solo
Author Denise Hildreth blogs about navigating the waters of the single life. - Purposeful Singleness
Articles, devotionals, forums, e-zine, and more. - Starting from Scratch
Web site of the authors of Starting from Scratch: When You’re Single Again. Includes articles, guest bloggers, and recipes.