Single Parenting.

Today I am sick, extremly tired (as always,) still have to workout, and have two big exams coming up.

But none of that will stop me from getting home and loving on my sweet (most of the time) two year old.

This weekend I sat down and talked with one of my new friends I already love to death. We met at CrossFit so we haven't had the chance to have too many heart-to-hearts, but I knew from the moment we both belted out song lyrics together we would be friends.

This girl is funny, smart, and beautiful, but I learned something about her that night I never knew and would have never guessed as an outsider; she didn't have a good relationship with her dad. I know, I know a lot of people don't, but to hear about the obstacles of divorced family situations and to hear about someone who had a father talk about struggling with him, it stired something inside of me.

I realized that God sometimes gifts you with single parenthood.

My friend knows that for her mom, the divorce is what is best, and for her and her sibilings not being as close as they were with their dad is okay - because sometimes that is GOD'S plan.

When Eli was still safe and sound in my womb I often prayed God would restore my relationship with his bio-dad. My parents were still together and happy, I wanted that for Eli. I thought I would be denying him of his other family if I didn't forgive his bio-dad of the terrible things he did to me. But God is so good and He knows what's best for us. He probably sat up there in Heaven shaking His head because it took me so long to listen to his shouts of 'that is not My plan.'

Today I can't imagine NOT being a single mother. I wish, hope, and pray no young woman has to go through it without their husband, but God gave me this and I will gladly sing of how great He is. I know He has a Christian man (and even if He doesn't I will still praise Him!) out there who will love Eli as his own and lead our family closer to the Cross, but for now I am perfectly content.

And instead of reasons why being a single mother are hard, these are some of my favorite parts of Single Partening.

1. No sharing!!!  His first days were spent sleeping in my arms. He never has to spend holidays away from me. He never has to chose sides. Yes this is probably a selfish reason, but I still love this fact!

2. Unlike other little boys who have two parents, he has a multitude. Memaw, PawPaw, Chubby, Jordy, CaeCae, Aunt Brady, Aunt Stacy, Nisey....just to name a few.

3. I don't sleep alone and no one will ever say "Move him out of our bed," because it is OUR bed. ...okay Eli's bed.

 

 



4. I never have to chose date night over playday night. Not that I would, but I've heard of people doing this.

5. Decisions like haircuts, birthday party themes, and presents are between Eli and me. Like the mohawk he asked Memaw to give him for his 1st birthday with a star shaved in the side of his head ;)

 

6. We can still live at Memaw and PawPaw's house!!! I know this is Eli's favorite!

7. All the love God puts in my heart can solely be given to him. I have no one fighting for my attention, no other relationship to focus on, and no one to tell me I'm over obsessed! Because I am over obsessed with Eli, I just don't have a husband to tell me so right now!

8. I never had to spend money on clothes/bibs/blankets if they didn't say Mom, Grandma, or Grandpa. SCORE for my wallet!

9. Every single day I have the joy to know that I am a single mother. My son is healthy and happy. My God is his true father, the greatest Father.

10. I get to experience this journey and being a single mom doesn't stop me from that.