To The Single Moms

I want to give a shout out to all the single moms out there. I have come to learn just how hard the job is. I will admit that when the one I loved was alive, he was not home a lot. I actually believed I fully understood what it was like to be a single mom, but I was wrong. It is true that I have usually been able to handle the regular day-to-day things that need to be done, but even then, it hasn’t been easy. There are often more places to go than one person can drive to in one day. There’s a home to clean and, for those with houses, there is a yard to care for as well. Getting time alone or with friends is difficult. There is paperwork coming out of your ears at times as well as school meetings and programs to attend and so on.

Single Moms

The very hardest part of it, from my experiences, is doing it on your own. Every single decision sits squarely on your shoulders. When it comes to parenting, you’re it – all the discipline, choices of what the kids need, etc.  You are their main focus, other than themselves, every single day, especially when they are young. It is exhausting. It’s rewarding, too, but it is overwhelming so often.

The part that I find the most difficult is the repairs needed in my 50+-year-old home. We are fortunate to live in the times of You Tube and the Internet; so, many repairs can be done DIY style. But it is difficult; especially when multiple things decide to break either at the same time or one after the other, which seems to be the way my house seems to work.

Twice the Love

In both these areas, it is so lonely to not have someone to whom to sound off or shoot ideas back and forth until a plan is made. I am fortunate that my mom lives with us and she helps so much with house cleaning and watching the kids so I can get away and together with friends. However, the decision-making and the big projects still rest on my plate. Most other single moms don’t have anyone to share the work.

Then there is the issue of money. For many single moms, this is the biggest issue they face. Everyone knows how much it costs to keep up a household and raising children. Many couples have a hard time making ends meet, but many single moms don’t have the support of a dad or family to help them in this area. Even if money isn’t tight, as a single mom, money is something that rests in the back of your mind anyway. What if someone gets sick or there is an accident or any number of things that could happen? It’s a lot and it is important. Unfortunately, without money you cannot provide for your family.

The good thing is that I know I’m never alone.  I know God is always with me and I go to Him often…so often! I often say that I wish He had arms. I feel Him close and know He has me in His hands, I just wish that I could physically feel them. The loneliness is sometimes so palpable. I’m sure I’m not the only single mom who feels this way.  The way to rest in His presence more is by reading His Word and making it part of your mind and heart.  Then it is less likely that you will doubt His presence and guiding.

So, if you have a single mom in your life or that you know, please lift them up, offer a hug, help if you can and pour love out to them. Be the support that so many need and hope for so often.

~ Joanna Lynn