A Day in the Life....

After I realized how long my to-do list was yesterday, I dropped to my knees with the firm realization that there was no way I could do it all -- so I asked the Lord to help guide me as to what was truly needful.

After a few basics, dishes, laundry, meals, watering the garden, oldest daughter mowing the lawn and feeding the cats, I dropped the youngest two off at tumbling for the last time this summer. I came home, checked my e-mail, blogged, did another batch of laundry (as laundry son was not home) and then went back to get kids. Brought them home just in time for piano lessons. Took daughter to piano, son rode his scooter to play basketball at the church with the scouts.

Oldest daughter (with broken arm) and I ran to the store for some items needed for refreshments for Book Group. Picked up son from church, took him to piano, retreived daughter from piano, came home. Ran to post office for Mother who had to get a letter off and needed more stamps.

Helped youngest make a little-people house out of a cardboard box, with 3 stories, carpet, cardboard furniture etc. before the friends came. It was needful for her as she wanted my time and attention. (Wasn't on the schedule -- but was an important thing for daughter and.... was fun.)

Fixed and ate lunch, cleaned up, finished other chores, had oldest make the zucchini bread for Book Group refreshments. Sorted through more items for Dorothy's fund-raising yard sale, called friend for recipe, called Dr. for daughter's broken-arm visit, cleaned bathroom, swept and mopped hardwood floors, did more dishes, and sorted through mail pile.

In the evening I attended Book Group (to support Mom- and to serve refreshments), talked to Scout leader, sister-in-law, and children.

Doesn't always seem like much but....some things are just needful.

In the middle of all this we're trying to get the house fixed up before I start teaching school in the fall. I have tried to keep things 'simple' and not overschedule. But, somedays are just busier than others; especially for single-parents who don't have much support but their own. My kids help out quite a bit -- nevertheless, there is still much that I have to do.

But, as I dropped back on to my knees at night, I knew that the Lord had guided me to do what was necessary and to let the other things go. The needful things were done and I recognized His helping hand in it all. I wasn't truly alone as He really had helped and guided me!

Fighting and Quarreling

A scripture that often comes to my mind in raising children is "...and ye will not suffer (allow) your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is that master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness. BUT.... ye WILL teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another".

The first verse that tells us what not to allow and the second tells us how to do it. We must Teach them correct principles out of love, not force or coercion, and by way of example.

It's not an easy task and it requires much practice and discussion ---- and sincerity.

I've found that family prayer and scripture study help -- especially when the Spirit is present. It's not always on one of the 'planned' occassions when these sweet times occur (that the Spirit is truly with us and is strong). They are tender mercies of the Lord, I believe, to help us gain hope that someday, maybe, all our efforts will pay off.

The Light of Parenting

You may have heard Oprah say that parenting is the hardest job in the world. She's right and we parents appreciate that acknowledgement especially in this time on earth when many forces are working against the family. The 'world' (worldliness) would have us succumb to their declining ideals. The Lord would have us 'seek things of a better'. It's a tug-of-war between good and evil but we don't have to hold on to that rope. We know inwardly what is good and true. Each of us was born with an inner light (the light of Christ) which was sent to guide and direct us on this earth. When we ignore that light, and turn away from the thoughts and feelings that we had in the beginning, it begins to dim. When we heed the ideas that come to us as we try to do right -- the light becomes stronger and our resolve (and power) to do good is strengthened.

Parenting is difficult -- yet extremely important. We are raising the future. When we are gone our contributions and influence will remain in the next generation.

Case in Point

Last night I needed to go to bed early as I was to get up at 4:30 this morning with my daughter who needed to be at the church at 5:00 a.m. for Pioneer Trek. Around 10:00 p.m. as I was falling asleep, my youngest daughter came into my room with the comment "Mom, I'm sick. I think I'm going to throw-up." For the next hour and a half she lay on my bed moaning and groaning. I got her a bowl and tried to comfort her the best I could --- knowing all along how tired I was going to be in the morning. Around 11:30 she threw-up and felt relieved to do so. After we got everything cleaned up I finally got to sleep. Next thing I knew oldest daughter was standing at the foot of my bed "Mom, it's 4:30".

Such is the life of a single parent. I know that all parents experience these things. But, as a single parent you are the only one available to meet the needs. There is no reprieve. There is no opportunity to say 'go and ask your Dad' or "let's talk to your father about that".

On top of all the requirements for a single-parent there is also a lack of 'reprieve' and 'filling your bucket'. It's challenging to be able to do so as money is tighter and free-time is less. We appreciate any kindness shown to us by way of understanding, empathisizing, and validating. Others can't 'fix' all the issues but they sure can help lighten the way by being kind.

Single Parenting

Single parenting is hard. It is very hard. If parenting itself is challenging with two -- imagine what it may be like when one soul is wholly responsible for the raising of children as well as: daily meals, shopping, laundry, house-cleaning and organization, auto maintenance and repair, insurance, medical visits, finances, meal planning and preparation, taxes, vacations (or lack thereof), lawn mowing, snow shovelling, sports with boys, fishing, bike maintenance and repair, home repair, scouting, father-and-sons outings, camping, oil change and gasoline, painting, caulking, plumbing, computer problems and maintenance, teaching and training children in daily tasks and emotional issues, dealing with childrens' growth and bodily changes, education, homework, projects, music, activities, family prayer, Family Home Evening, family scripture study, church etc.

I'm grateful for any kindness shown along the way as that helps with the load. Many are probably oblivious as to our plight as they have never experienced it. Some are judgemental as they have no idea why a person would be single. Some are kind and compassionate and helpful. For the latter I am extremely grateful and hope to be that kind of person myself.