running on fumes

Happy March 2nd, Moms!

Can you believe that we’re already in March? It seems like we were just ringing in the New Year. Time flies when you’re a mother but when you’re a single mother with little to no help, time is almost a fantasy. It seems as if there aren’t enough hours in the day and we’re often stretched thin. Between making sure our kids are loved, well-fed, educated, clothed, and happy, there is little time for mom. I mean, throw in our careers and personal aspirations for a little razzle-dazzle, and what is time?  

Time is defined as the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole. Indefinite continued progress of existence sums up my life as a mother. There are days that I put my son to bed and just lay staring at the ceiling wondering how I even made it through the day. Other days, I’m lucky to have even been able to account for the moments of the day because the entire day was a long, exhausting blur. At times, it seems as if I’m just existing day to day and only living to take care of my son and “be a mom”.

Honestly, I’m often running on fumes alone. My spiritual gas is low and I’m barely making it to my next stop. However, it is in those moments that I realize that God has been carrying me the entire way. That day that I had 1.5 million things to do, I did them all. That day that I had to rush out of the door to be on time, despite my son having a fit over what shoes he wanted to wear, I did it. That day that I was so overwhelmed with life and wanted to run away, I still showed up as Mom. That day I experienced heartbreak, I wiped my tears and persevered. What I wouldn't give to have someone step in as the parent so that I can escape life even for a short moment. However, that's not the reality for many single moms.

 While I’d like to think it was my superhuman strength that got me through some of my most trying moments, it wasn’t. In fact, despite what my son thinks, I'm not Supermom. There's no cape and there aren’t any superpowers. God has equipped me with exactly what I need to make it during times of exhaustion, adversity, and pain. Even when I feel alone and weak, he gives me the fuel I need to push through. Without God’s help, I don’t know where I’d be. He is the real superhero in my life. If we're being honest, he's the superhero in all our lives.

I encourage every mom that reads this to remember that even when we’re running on fumes, God is riding right beside us on a full tank. He’s our 24 hr roadside assistance and tow service. He’s our mechanic and our technician. So, the next time you find yourself on “E” and stranded on the hard and often lonely road of single motherhood, remember where your help comes from. Let’s also remember that we’ve all been stretched thin so when you see a mom that could use a hand, be kind and offer one. It takes a village, and we must show up for one another. Let’s continue striving for balance and peace. Be blessed, sisters.

- Ashley Williams