Originally published Saturday, 14 June 2014.
There are few holidays that are more difficult for a single mother than Father’s Day. For this day highlights great lack in many single mothers' lives. The endless questions begin to flow.
“Why don’t my children have the loving father they deserve?”
“Why do I have to do everything and he does nothing?”
“Why must I struggle financially, because he chooses to pay no child support?”
Father’s Day could easily point out all the things you do not have, that your child does not have. It is easy to dwell on the failed marriage or relationship, on everything that could’ve and should’ve been, but now isn’t - the lack of the happily ever after. Many of you may be facing tough questions from your children on this day about why their father isn’t around more.
But may I offer a different perspective?
Rather than focusing on what you lack (or your children lack), focus on what the day represents — an awesome father! Maybe you have never had an awesome earthly father. Maybe you are frustrated because your children lack that, as well. Well, I have good news for you. You have an awesome Heavenly Father….and so do your children! Teach them that. Our Heavenly Father loves us. The Bible says he will NEVER fail us, leave us, or forsake us. His plans for us are to prosper us and to set us on higher ground. He watches over us. He nurtures us and shows us mercy and grace. He protects us and disciplines us. Isn’t that what a good father does?
Ladies, I cannot explain why you have walked through the hardships you have. But….I do know that God’s timing is perfect. I do know that his ways are mysterious, yet wise. I know that he is your hope, source, refuge, and peace. Your home is not a “broken” one, for if you have chosen to make the Lord the center of your life, then he has completed your family perfectly in this season. You don’t have to live life in limbo waiting on the next season. Live this season fully.
The Lord gives strength, when we are weak. Today, you may find yourself weak, but I want you to know his loves never fails and one day, in his perfect timing, your children will be restored. They will have a loving father and you, a loving husband. Until that day comes, focus on the abundance in your life — the healthy children, the job God has afforded you to provide for your family, the transportation you drive, the friends who love you, etc.
Psalm 23:6 “Surely, your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”
Article first appeared on TheLifeofaSingleMom.com.
Note: The Life of a Single Mom Ministries celebrates every father who is parenting his children well, despite a difficult divorce or failed relationship. This article in no way depicts that every single mother lacks an active father in her child’s life, but merely wants to encourage those who are facing such a challenge.
Jennifer Maggio is an award-winning author and speaker whose personal story is leaving audiences around the globe riveted. She is founder of The Life of a Single Mom Ministries. She has a passion to see every single mom live the life God intended. For more information, visitwww.jennifermaggio.com.
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