07/31/2026
I've never really been a people pleaser.
To be honest, I've always had a tendency to pave my own path, regardless of whether or not anyone else walks the same way.
Yet as a single parent, it's so easy to look at other families and think to myself, "I wish that could be us."
Theodore Roosevelt is given credit for the famous quote, "Comparison is the thief of joy."
I've never really put much thought into that quote before, but it's been hanging around in my mind a lot this week.
I'm finding myself asking things like:
"Are there areas in my life where I've allowed bitterness to take root because my life didn't turn out the way I planned?"
"Have I allowed myself to become jealous of friends, relatives, coworkers or acquaintances who are raising their children within the context of a marriage, the way God designed it to be?"
"Have I been frustrated when I've watched friends who were single moms find love/marriage before me, instead of cheering for them and thanking God for redeeming their stories?"
Ouch.
For me personally, I can say "yes" to every one of these questions.
And it stings a little to face the truth of the discontent that I've allowed to grow inside of me.
When I find my thoughts slipping into that place of jealousy, bitterness or even resentment towards others who have the life I thought would be mine, I have to stop and reflect on these words from Paul in Philippians 4 -
"Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am."
This is the same passage that goes on to say the famous phrases, "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me," and "My God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
These aren't verses we just pull out of context when we're low on money and need an encouraging reminder that God has unlimited resources - these are promises from His word that remind us that He knows EVERY thing we need.
We can be content when our relationships don't work out the way we thought they would.
We can be content in a season that has lasted way longer than we ever expected.
We can be content even if that "season" never ends.
Because the truth is, God is still faithful, He is still good, and He is still working out ALL things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Even if it means our kids never have a healthy father.
Even if it means we're never loved with the kind of earthly love we crave.
Even if it means our stories have a completely different ending than what we expected.
We can trust in His wisdom and be content in knowing that He will provide every single thing we need.
Keep holding on, Mama. He is with you (and so are we).
