Out of Gas?

The title today has nothing to do with the economy.  It has to do with your mommy tank. I want to start with the question; "Does it really take a village to raise a child?"  Am I alone when I say "YES!"?  Whether you are a single mom or not, you have to admit there is only one thing that refills your tank more than a few quiet mom moments.

Have you ever heard the term "Friends are the family you choose?" I believe that 100%.  I live 2 1/2 hours away from any family so when I need help I have to rely on my friends. Sometimes this is really hard for me because I don't like to feel like I am imposing on anyone. I am learning through the wonderful character makeover that this is a form of pride. I never would have thought of it that way.  When I deny help I am also denying someone else the right to show me love and generosity.  Mothers with husbands in the military or who travel a lot probably know this feeling just as much as us single moms do. Don't get me wrong, moms with their spouses at home need to escape just as much as anyone but they have a few more opportunities with another adult in the house.  There have been a few times when my day has gotten away from me and when I finally sit down to take a breath, the kids are in bed, it's like 10:30 at night, and I remember we ran out of milk!! I hate to leave my kids home alone at that time even if just for a few minutes but if I don't go, as much as God does for me, I really don't expect him to deliver milk to my door for breakfast!   Uhhh... yes out of gas!

My children have more on their calendars than I do. Sometimes I joke I would have no life if I were not always shuttling between practices, games, church, dance class, appointments, and birthday parties! Not that they are over booked but there are two of them and one of me. I wear my taxi hat a lot! When the subject of dating comes up people think I'm joking when I say I am looking for a good driver!

No matter how many times I whine about it though, the truth is, while grandma's and grandpa's are great to have around, I don't think I would have progressed in my walk with The Lord as quickly as I have had I had family around to help me out.  If I had babysitters I may have taken the chances to go out thinking that was going to rejuvenate me.  Instead, I had to stay home and find another source of energy and strength.   

   "Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. "   Matthew 11:28

God will fill your gas tank every time FOR FREE! He will be your husband. He will be your best friend. Take Him for a test drive the next time you feel like you are running out of gas. He won't leave you stranded!

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  Matthew 11:29

Comments

[Jennifer]

Venus,

What a well written post! My husband is away a lot and I definitely relate with the "out of gas" visual. I have learned through experience as well that friends ARE the family we choose. I have no family around here. Boy, what a humbling place to be...and yet so wonderful because like you, my faith has grown leaps and bounds as I am left with no one but God to lean on so many times.
I have to share with you that my "Marriage from a Distance" post that will go up on Monday goes hand-in-hand with your post!It's about tackling town with kids on our own...all-the-time, or so it seems. That'll definitely drain your "gas tank". :)
Be Brave!
Jennifer