Home Alone

My husband and I have spent the majority of this fall separated.  Not because we wanted to but because it’s been necessary for us to be in two separate places.  We’re on the final stretch and when He comes home this Friday it will be to stay.  Both of us have taken turns being at home while the other was away at camp.  We both agree that parenting alone is a huge challenge.  I’ve experienced a lot personal growth  and even though it’s been hard I’m grateful for the things I’m learning.

1) I have an increased respect for my friends who are single parents or  have spouses who are deployed.  What I’ve had to do is NOTHING in comparison.

2) When I am weak, He is strong.  I’m growing in my dependence on God for EVERYTHING.  If it were not for His powerful grace right now I think I might become clinically insane.

3) Focus is key.  I can’t afford to waste a lot of time, or become too tired.  Staying focused on Jesus and His word has brought me inner peace and some balance into my days.  I’m a happier person and parent. 

4) Simplicity is a discipline.  This goes along with staying focused.  We can easily put too many expectations on ourselves or over-commit (because of the expectations of others).  This can water down our strength and make us less effective ministers in the kingdom of God.  There is power in simplicity.

  I’ve felt “off” much of the time.  At first I wondered if it was because I was not focused, but I realized last week it’s because half of me is missing.  My prayers and compassion for people raising kids alone has greatly increased.  I’m thankful for what I’ve learned but honestly I CAN’T WAIT FOR GREG TO COME HOME!  Enough said.

Matthew 25:28-24

  ²⁸ “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. ²⁹ Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. ³⁰ If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? ³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Prayer:  Jesus, thank you for this season and for your amazing grace.  I pray that you will help me to keep a simple focus on the things that you want me to focus on and not become distracted and over burdened.  Teach me to simply trust in you, and share your love with those around me.