Dateless?
Marcie Hefner
At my college it was called a Junior/Senior Banquet, but "prom" or "dance" are also synonyms for this highly anticipated event. The weeks leading up to the banquet were filled with girls shopping for dresses and guys attempting to get up the nerve to ask the woman of their dreams to be their date. For many it was an incredibly exciting time, but for others it was just another dateless Friday night and a reminder of how truly single they were.
I was a member of the latter group. An invitation from a handsome man, or any man for that matter, never came. I figured my night would consist of homework, feeling sorry for myself, and more homework. However, the Lord showed me that my joy is not found in having a date on Friday night or attending a banquet with that special someone next to me. True joy is found in Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:10 tells us, "And you are complete through your union with Christ. He is the Lord over every ruler and authority in the universe" (New Living Translation). We are complete in Him.
All too often, we miss out on amazing experiences because we are too busy having a personal pity party. The Lord gives us the incredible privilege of getting involved in the lives of others and we should take every opportunity, especially lonely Friday nights, to take advantage of this privilege.
I actually ended up spending the evening of the banquet with my roommate. She didn't have a date either, so we took off right after our classes and headed away from campus. We went to a dinner theater together. In all seriousness, it is one of the best memories I have of my time at college.
For those times I have found myself dateless for the weekend, I have used these ideas to really help focus my energies on encouraging others rather than attending a pity-party.
Self-Pity Stoppers:
- Write a letter of encouragement to a friend or loved one.
- Invite a group of young people of the same sex out to dinner.
- Baby-sit for a couple so that they can have some time alone together.
- Bake cookies for your neighbor.
- Do an act of service for an elderly individual.
Now don't get me wrong, I love to go out on a date on Friday nights, but on those occasions that I don't, I have the unique opportunity to invest in others. | 
The Rich Single Life By Andrew Farmer Along with the challenges of singleness come priceless advantages. Your season of singleness can be one of great richness, focus, and fulfillment in God.
