A Single Mother's Prayer...Set to Music

There are many struggles a single mom faces - and she faces them largely alone. I've been a single mom for 13 years now. I've learned to keep my chin up, put one foot in front of the other, smile when sometimes I feel like crying, take my daughter by the hand and move forward in faith. But there are, every once in a very great while, times when my chin feels heavy, my feet are tired, my mouth can't form a smile, and when faith seems not enough. These are the times when I have difficult but prayerful discussions with the Lord.

I heard a song today that I haven't heard in quite some time, "Gratitude" by Nicole Nordeman. It's a song that as a single mom has made me cry each and every time I've heard it. The lyrics hit home with me as it overwhelms me to hear my heart's deepest and difficult prayers put into eloquent words and set to beautiful music. (I've included the lyrics below.) Hearing the song also reminds to me that in spite of the struggles I face, I have so much to be thankful for. God does indeed send rain my way. He gave me a wonderful and supportive family from childhood through present-day. He seems to always save me from myself and He gave me salvation! He's provided me with a wonderful church where my spirit is fed. He's brought many wonderful friends into my life who love me, love Rebecca, and who go out of their way to make sure we have what we need - whether it's a hot meal when I'm ill or injured, a ride to school or work, a thoughtful email, a hug, or even a simple prayer - these Heaven-sent friends rain on us often with warm soothing showers of love.

Of all the earthly gifts He's given me, I am MOST grateful for Him giving me the incredible gift of my darling Rebecca. I always wanted to have a little girl, I prayed for a daughter, even years before her conception and birth. I wouldn't trade her for anything including what I may perceive to be an "easier" journey in life than the journey of single-parenting I am on. If God never answers another of my prayers, never bestows another blessing on my life, never gives me one millionth of just one of the many desires of my heart - for giving my life Rebecca I will praise Him always. Because during those hard, dark times, when I feel alone, my smile fails me and my faith seems weak, I've only to set eyes on my daughter and I am reminded that HE LOVES ME.

Let us always remember that in good times, bad times, easy times and hard, God is there in all times -always providing much we can be grateful for, He loves each and every one of us, He hears our deepest prayers and He responds and answers in ways much more magnificently than we can even imagine.


GRATITUDE ~ by Nicole Nordeman

Send some rain, would You send some rain?
'Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud?
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down
Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid
But maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If You never send us rain

Daily bread, give us daily bread
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed
Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight
Wrap us up and warm us through
Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs
Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time
Or maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
A lesson learned to hunger after You
That a starry sky offers a better view if no roof is overhead
And if we never taste that bread

Oh, the differences that often are between
What we want and what we really need
So grant us peace, Jesus, grant us peace
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibis and enemies tonight
Or maybe not, not today
Peace might be another world away
And if that's the case . . .

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitudeFor lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need
And if You never grant us peaceBut Jesus, would You please . . .