Originally published Monday, 29 December 2014.
I hurriedly parked, rushed to the gym, and found a seat in the bleachers at my kids' school. The bleachers, the gym, the court – it seems to be where I, like many parents, spend much of my time these days, as I am currently parenting year-round athletes. The game was about to start, and I could not wait to see the Tigers bring home the victory. I glanced behind me and caught the eye of a fellow mom, so I went over to greet her.
“Hey Sally! Great to see you. How's it going?” I cheerfully asked.
“Things are great.” she spouted with a slight smile, somewhat hesitantly.
I knew things were not great, but I did not know the mom that well, so we made idle chit-chat for a bit. The something-is-not-right feeling would not leave me. And before I knew it, I was throwing my arm around her shoulder and giving her a big hug, telling her that she looked like she could use one. Instantly, the tears flowed. Over the next several minutes, she began to share with me a number of burdens she was carrying ,such as parenting concerns and financial decisions. As she finished, I had the privilege of grabbing her hand and praying for her specific needs.
Which one of us has not been there? Whether you are navigating through the sometimes difficult journey of parenting, educating students, or somewhere else on life's path, you have most assuredly been at that place of feeling “overwhelmed” at some point. There is a great passage of Scripture I have clung to during those very times:
“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.” -Psalm 61:2-3 NLT
It is a great privilege to cry out to our Heavenly Father when our heart is overwhelmed and know that He is our safe refuge. He sees those times when we are exhausted and feel you we cannot press on. He sees when we have lost sleep over a difficult decision. And He is faithful to send someone at the perfect time who is honored to pray just for you.
Jennifer Maggio is considered one of the nation's leading authorities on single parents' and womens' issues. She travels the globe sharing her riveting personal story, both to encourage and equip mothers everywhere. She has been featured on hundreds of radio and television programs, including The 700 Club, Daystar TV, Moody Radio, and many more. For more information, visit http://www.thelifeofasinglemom.com.
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