One of the things I have learned as a single mom is that I have to have hope. With single parenting, struggle seems like a constant at times. I qualify my comments with- “if you get alimony, child support, and/or have a great job (and have always had one)” maybe this post is not for you. But, if you are a single parent and money has been tight, this post is for you.
Having hope keeps you grounded as you maintain your smile and carry on as if all is okay in front of the kiddos. Meanwhile, you know the utilities are past due and you only have money for food until the next pay day. I lived this when my kids were tiny tots. Life can be unfair and hard. What do you do? Well, first you call the utility company and make a payment plan and then you assess what went wrong so that it cannot happen again. Lastly, you make a budget. You do this all while having hope that tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year will be better because you are doing your best. You are doing your greatest life’s work right now in the rearing of your children. Yes, you heard me- YOUR GREATEST LIFE’S WORK.
What we do as parent’s will either provide great people to share the world with and run it as we age or the opposite will occur. We know what the opposite of great looks like. Our grandchildren will love us for the rearing we did or will say “why is he/she like this, Nanna?” It’s up to us. So, let’s have hope mixed with action and we will create a lasting legacy of family values and good people.
I also add that I had hope in Jesus, and I know He is Who brought me through. With tears in my eyes many nights, He brought me through. I went from bitter to better because of his presence in my life. I’m healed and happy. You can be too! Jesus is my hope still for every today and tomorrow.
Life is hard.
Do it any way!
2014 is going to be PHENOMENAL!
