I receive support from a variety of sources, almost daily. My children are supportive by helping me around the house as well as doing things for themselves. My family and friends are always there for me whether it is as a soundboard for me to express my thoughts or feelings, or to offer physical assistance when I need an extra hand or to babysit my children when I need a little time away. My co-workers offer support by encouraging me and helping me when I need help in my classroom. My Pastors and church family offer support spiritually as I grow closer to Christ.
There are other things in my life that offer support that may sound silly but are a major part of my life. One of which is my car. If I didn’t have it, I would have some major adjustments to make in my life. Another would be that of running water. I depend on this daily for a number of reasons. Without clean running water, I would have to make more adjustments in my life, all of which would add more stress.
I am fortunate to have a wonderful support system. From my friends, family, co-workers, Pastors, and my church family, I am blessed beyond words. I have not always had a strong support system but there have always been one or two people that I know I can turn to if I needed help. Understanding who you can count on to be your support system is important, especially if a crisis or challenge emerges.
One challenge that comes to mind is if something were to happen to one of my children. Accidents and sicknesses happen but they can be challenging, especially for a single mother with other children to take care of. I know that my parents and friends would be there to help me with anything, especially my children. My Pastors would offer spiritual support as well as physical support if there was something that could be done. My co-workers would step up for me and make sure my classroom was covered. My church family would be there for me in any way they could. Because I have such a strong support system, I know that all I would have to do is ask if there was anything I needed. There are some people I wouldn’t even have to ask at all. They would just step in and help in any way they could.
The biggest benefit of having such a strong support system is that I know I am not alone. I know that there are people in my life who want to share my happy times, to rejoice my accomplishments. I also know that I don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. I always have a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, and a friend at a moment’s notice. If I woke up one day and my supports were gone, I would be extremely heartbroken. I know that I would still go on with life, but the joy of life’s simple moments would be gone. I would feel empty and alone.
