Whew! This momma is TIRED! We just returned from a lovely trip up north to spend time with extended family at our annual reunion. Due to his work schedule, my husband could not be with us. His absence was determined just a few days before the trip so a little anxiety crept in as I thought about the 3+ hour drive alone with the kids, not to mention the entire trip without him. We had a great time and I had lots of help from grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, great aunts, great uncles, cousins, etc. But it was still exhausting. At the end of the day, I was still the only parent. The one left to discipline, brush teeth, wipe butts, stop blood, coax sleepy eyes to sleep, ensure protein was eaten and not just sugar, etc.
I say all of this not to throw myself a pity party (well, not entirely anyway), but to acknowledge that my admiration for single parents grew exponentially this past week. It is overwhelming to realize that for some, parenting is not a team sport. My hat is entirely off to you. May you be covered in grace.
I think a fun challenge is in order. Go out of your way over the next few weeks to really bless a single parent. Even a small gesture will go a long way. Offer a meal, babysitting, an encouraging note, some groceries, etc. Even though single parents probably feel like an island at times, they should know that people are willing to swim to them!
