Parenting needs three!

For the first two weeks after Hannah's birth, my husband was at home - and what a relief that was! He helped in myriad ways - propping me up with pillows for feeds, bringing drinks and snacks, cleaning the kitchen, burping the baby, preparing food, taking turns at night to soothe her when niggly and most importantly encouraging me all the way that I am a good mom. I can definitely confirm the truth that, "two are better then one, because they have a good reward for their labor" (Ecclesiastes 4:9). I am very grateful for this blessing of having a caring and committed husband. I know this is not to be taken for granted and my heart goes out to all the single-parents out there. It must be tough - but even in that God's grace is there - if you ask Him for help, to carry you through.
That is a bit of what I experienced this past week. My husband had to go back to work - and it made me feel very vulnerable and alone, not sure whether I would cope. To make matters worse, the baby-blues have set in as well, and I cried for no reason and for everything! Realizing that this is largely due to hormonal shifts, made me feel more at ease. I spoke to a dear friend who had a baby recently and she normalized it all for me.
During the midnight and early morning feeds - I just cried out to God to strengthen me, help me. And He is faithful, He gave me peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4: 4-7) and a knowing that he is here with me - that Hannah ultimately belongs to Him, is His creation and He is the sustainer of life. Phew, what a relief - because the imagined burden of having to keep this tiny baby alive started weighing me down. Now everyday I just give her back to God and ask for His help for us as parents to raise her in His ways. I believe God is good and God is always in control (James 1:17).

So whether you are part of a parent dyad or a single parent - you do not have to be alone - call out to the Creator of all life and surrender to Him, let Him father you and your child. Because "two is better than one" (you and the Lord) and "a threefold cord is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:12).