The last few summers have changed drastically for me. I can’t even tell you that I really remember how I spent my summers before I became a mother. I’m sure I did stuff and enjoyed my summers as best I could. I love the warm weather, so I was likely out and about. But my summers for at least the last 3 years have taken on a new appreciation. In addition to being a single mom, I’m a career woman, so life is a constant juggle for me.
I’m finally putting it out there that I’m divorced, and a single parent, because I think that’s part of the journey that I should be writing about.
Anyway, this is more about the balancing act of trying to do what I can regarding work, life, taking care of a home and ensuring that I raise a well-adjusted child under all the above circumstances. Please do not read any of the above to mean I get it right. I’ll be the first one to tell you that I don’t. There are aspects of it that I’m not very good at, but there are some that I do ok. I also take time to appreciate that I’m one person, and while my home will never be spotless, my child will be happy. That is always my priority. Again, for me doesn’t mean that she has all the latest toys and gadgets, she doesn’t, and I make sure she has all she needs, but not what she wants. It’s important to recognize this distinction. What I do ensure we do together, is spend a lot of time talking. We talk about just about every thing. She’s my companion, and I know that God has blessed me with her, and has given her to me for a time. Hence, with His help, I’m trying to make that time count as best as I can.
I got a little side tracked, but I wanted to let you know why my summers are different than they’ve ever been. While they are different, they are more than I could have ever hoped for. Because we go to church on Saturdays, our free day is Sunday. My daughter is also very active and loves to be out and about (got that from her grandma). So, I try to keep her entertained. It could be as simple as a trip to Walmart or Target, errands that I need to do, but we do them together, and make it an excursion – but those are typically reserved for weekdays when I pick her up and her first question is ‘Where are we going?’ So Sundays, we do the beach.
On our last beach outing, as we were walking along the shoreline, a big wave came in and I had to hold her hand a little tighter to ensure that the wave didn’t knock her over. And it made me think about my life, and how similar it was to that moment.
I’ve been through some things, that almost knocked me over, sometimes may have even succeeded temporarily, but I have a Heavenly Father who holds on to my hand and refuses to let go. When you think that the waves of life are close to knocking you over, hold on to God’s steadying hand. While He can calm the roughest of seas, he can calm the roughest of emotions, we just can’t let go of His hands.
Dear Heavenly Father, you see the struggles we face. Each day there is something new to worry about, but Lord, as we go through each day, I ask that we continue to hold on to you and your unfailing love. When the storms of life come, and threaten to knock us over, remind us that you will not let go of our hands, but we must hold on to you as well.
