Thrive: to progress toward or realize a goal despite or because of circumstances
Don’t let the floods overwhelm me or the ocean swallow me; save me from the pit that threatens me. O Jehovah, answer my prayers, for your loving-kindness is wonderful; your mercy is so plentiful, so tender and so kind. Psalm 69:15-16 TLB
Last week we considered emotional overwhelm. As promised this week, we look at overwhelm from the physical aspect, keeping in mind that we are holistic beings, triune beings, so one dimension of our life will always affect the others.
If we are emotionally overloaded, physical tasks often seem daunting and vice versa. If we are not getting enough time to recharge our souls, sleeping well or eating healthy, we become emotionally and physically overwhelmed.
Take time right now to think about the areas you feel overwhelmed in? What dimension seems out of balance? If you say, “all of them”, you are not alone! As single parents, we have to put extra effort into balancing our lives.
Let me acknowledge as well, that the word “single parent”, applies to all different situations. I know some of you are parenting without another parent involved in your child’s life. That is so hard. Some of you are parenting with a divorced spouse, also hard, in different ways.
More List Making...
In part one, we discussed making a list to present to God. More list making! This one is to help you organize your time.
Keep to do lists and prioritize tasks. When I felt overwhelmed, I would break my list up into three categories, urgent items that could not wait, tasks that needed to be completed within the next few weeks, and long term tasks that would be nice if I could get to one day. (I recently tried doing this on my phone, but I find I get too distracted. Paper lists are best for me.)
Calendars are your friend. I still have a paper wall calendar although I do now put reminders on my phone. Have weekly meetings (supper time is fine) where the whole family goes over the calendar. It helps families feel connected if they know what events are going on in each other’s lives. This is especially important for children who go between two households.
Assess your schedule just like you do your budget. Do you just have too many activities on your schedule? Are there activities you can cut out of your life? Ask yourself what is bringing you life and energizing you? What just seems to be draining you of your time?
Right now your family and your health are the priority, do not worry about letting some things go. Sometimes others do not understand, but you need to do what is right for your family’s needs. (I just want to mention that if you are parenting with another parent, it may not always be your choice of what activities can be adjusted. I get it!)
Physical Tasks
Simplify Tasks Can you order your groceries online? Can you have a standing order? The time you save is better put into cooking healthy food and having a family meal together. (Although I have to say I think, at least sometimes, taking kids to the grocery store is such a great learning opportunity.)
Kiddo Help My children were so young when I was first divorced, that this was not really an option. I also at times started chore charts, but I have to tell you that it was really hard to be consistent as my sons came and went between two homes. Think small, can they lay out their clothes the night before so the morning rush is not so rushed?
Hire help. Asking a single parent to hire someone seems like an oxymoron. Most single parents do not swim in extra funds to hire out help. But if you cut back in one place, would you be able to hire someone to do the snow? (If you are saying “dream on”, believe me, I was with you.)
Mind Health
Schedule News Intake The world is overwhelming. I often have to remind myself that the “government is on His shoulders”, not mine. This may be a crossover category, but if your schedule includes absorbing way too much news, beware of the aftereffects.
It is also not good to be completely unaware (I can be guilty of this). Actually, my daughter as a part of her school day watches World Watch, and that has helped me. My husband listens to short NPR News Now clips or the Morning Wire. Decide where and when you are getting your news and stick with it.
Although our circumstances may not be ideal, it is possible to not just survive, but to actually thrive. That is my prayer for you today. God does not desire for you to be overwhelmed. Jesus desires to be the Shepherd of your soul.
For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
I Peter 2:25 NASB
If you need a short devotional delivered to your inbox, sign up for Jana Carlson’s 9 day series of insights on Psalm 91. This has long been one of my favorite Psalms. It deals with God’s protection in the midst of distressing circumstances.
My goal is often to get a healthy dinner on the table in less than an hour. By using Thai Kitchen Green or Red Curry Paste, you can have dinner ready in no time.
This is another one dish meal with veggies and meat included. If you use frozen veggies, that cuts down on the time even more.