Do you ever feel like your brain has reached max capacity as you to juggle your children, your job, your home. Then, there are the many relationships you have with family, friends, the kid’s teachers and coaches, and on and on it goes. All are a blessing, but each one is a detail that must be added to your list of things to do for the day. The Lord walks with you in all these details. He is at work in and through the mundane things of your life. If you are open to Him, He will move and guide you through daily tasks, routine conversations and all the rituals that make up your day-to-day life.
Psalms 37: 23 (NLT) tells us that, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives”. God is not overwhelmed by your busy life. He is excited about all of your relationships and activities. The God of Heaven is on your side and wants you to be successful. He will provide wisdom and discernment in your relationships and in your daily challenges. Sometimes, it is simple things like leading you to find a good mechanic for your car or giving you wisdom to deal with a difficult teacher. The God who counts the hairs on your head is interested in all these aspects of your life.
Work Life
As single moms, full-time employment is generally a necessity. In addition to being mom and dad to your children, you have a huge responsibility outside the home to whatever business or trade that employs you. God is at work here as well. The Bible says in Colossians 3: 23-24 (NLT) “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ”. Wow, that puts your job in a new perspective, doesn’t it. Your boss may not or may not be pleasant, your co-workers may or may not be friends, but your mission in that workplace is a kingdom assignment. Your heavenly boss will reward you for your diligent work and bless your employer because of your presence.
Take pride in your work and your ability to make a living. Try not to let your job be a burden or a stressor. I never really wanted a career. I had wanted only to be a wife and mother. God had other plans and blessed me with a career where I was able to succeed, provide for my child and eventually retire early to enjoy my grandchildren. The Lord knows what you need and for most of us, He is going to provide for those needs by blessing the work of our hands in our place of employment.
Home Life
Housework is such a thankless job that never gets fully done. And yet, a clean home and healthy meals are one of the ways you share your heart and creativity with your family. Even a simple, small apartment can be an oasis for you and the kids if it is clean and well-maintained. Let the kids do their part – it is good training for life. Also, let God do His part. He has promised to provide for you. Go to Him daily asking for provision for meals, bills, wisdom and strength.
When our home is no longer or never was a house built by a husband and wife working for their family, you can still find a lot of strength and comfort in your home. Be purposeful and prayerful as you decorate your home. The furnishings do not have to be expensive or elaborate, but they should reflect you and your children and what is important to you. If you love the beach, incorporate the treasure they bring home from the beach into your decor. If you have rowdy little boys, create spaces for blanket tents and ant farms. Ask God to show you the hearts of your children, so you can craft a home where they feel loved and seen.
The Juggling Act
I remember times when I was caught up in the juggling act of work and home, and a small, insignificant thing would just send my world into a tailspin. That one thing was small, but it was that one thing too many. It was the one thing that someone else should have been carrying for me. The insignificant thing and the loneliness of the moment would bring tears and those feelings of being overwhelmed. Nothing I can say in this blog can protect from those moments, but I can assure you that the Lord is with you. He sees you. He hears you and wants you to trust that He is working things out for you.
In II Corinthians 4:18 (NIV), Paul tells us to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen in eternal”. While you are working the details you can see in your work and home, God is working in the details in the background. He is working all things for your good with an eternal reward. Take heart, my sweet daughter, the Lord is at work and your heart can rest in Him.