In a family shouldn't your spouse be first and children second? But what happens when your spouse dies? Should the children become first priority?
The way I prioritize, is that God comes first. In my marriage, my spouse came second and our children came third. When my spouse died, my children stepped into second place until they became adults. It was an enormous sacrifice. They were 6 and 7 years old when their father passed. I was only 34 years old.
Keeping God first meant He was the only Father to my children. Yes, they had a huge void in their hearts from a human father, but they had some very supportive uncles and grandfathers who filled in. They were happy children for the most part. It was very challenging however to be the only parent.
Now human nature calls, and some years down the road, I'm lonely. I begin to date and find someone that makes me happy. My girls express to me that they are not fond of this new man in their mother's life. I first feel that they have no business in my business. Luckily, they were still in second place and not first place. It was really what God's plan was for my new life.
Keeping God in first place, I wanted to keep my lines of communication open with Him. Through my years of dating throughout my widowhood, I had made a promise with God that I wouldn't sleep with any man unless I was remarried. My choices of men were not your men that had "God first" in their hearts, if you know what I mean. So most of the time, any dating relationships usually ended quite quickly.
All this to tell you that I remained a single parent until my daughters were adults. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The sacrifices were enormous. It was not easy but so well worth it! Both of my daughters have blossomed into caring, responsible adults that are giving purpose into this world. Isn't this the whole point of sacrificing for our children?
And me? Once my children were independent adults, I then married a guy worth waiting for!
How many of you can relate????