“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
I heard this familiar verse recently and it struck me in a new way. These words reminded me that with each conversation, boundary, ride home from school, and correction I’m investing in my kids and the life we’re building together for God’s glory. Parenting has required much mental energy lately as I navigate three different seasons and personalities.
But as I sat in the grocery store parking lot earlier this week finishing a podcast with newlywed guests, I remembered God’s faithfulness. I’m not a newlywed, but I needed this truth that transcends seasons. I needed to remember parenting intentionally is doing good and in God’s time I’ll get to see a harvest.
Parenting has involved conversations about cell phones, sleepovers, and vacations; discipline regarding grades and attitudes; and training and establishing habits. I’ve talked with like-minded friends and pow-wowed with my husband, who thankfully lives on the same page with these things. Articles have affirmed why my kids won’t have cell phones anytime soon and why we don’t do sleepovers, but they’ve also reminded me living counter-culturally is hard but not beyond where God has called us.
“So let’s not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don’t give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith.” – Galatians 6:9-10 (The Message)
As I sat in the Kroger parking lot letting Rachel nap a little longer before we took the ever-growing list of food inside, I read Galatians 6:9 again. I remembered God’s faithfulness in my everyday life regardless of the season and recommitted myself to the good of this parenting adventure.
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RESOURCES!
READ: I put together a list of some books that have aided in this parenting journey. Included are some devotions my tween girl has used and sex talk books for both boys and girls. {SEE PARENTING PARTNER BOOKS HERE.}
LISTEN: I also put together a playlist of songs that remind me God’s faithfulness. {LISTEN HERE.}
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When I saw that picture of your adorable trio, my first thought was, “Wow that girl is headed toward the teen years,” and from reading your post, I see that you are having all the conversations we have had–and continue to have.
There have been seasons of parenting in which we have felt like the Amish must feel sometimes–so counter cultural. And there have been times when we held onto the reins even though we felt as if we were being dragged. Even so, I believe it’s worth it.
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we will reap . . .”
I have no doubt it’s worth it, thankfully. I appreciate your like-minded encouragement, friend. xo
You are RIGHT ON with this one. Every conversation is Life 101. And, Kristin, the older they get? The more intense the “sessions.” We tell them, live it before them, “the way they should go,” and then we trust God to “keep them.” PREACH IT SISTER. THIS blog, although short, packed a punch. xo
Thanks, Susan! I love your encouragement for me from ahead of me on the journey. You’re a blessing. xo
So right, Kristin!! Great post!
Thanks, Lisa! Preaching to myself here, but I’m glad you could be encouraged too.
This verse was a help to me as we cared my for m-i-l in our home. So true with children as well.
I can see how it could encourage us in every season. Thanks for being here, Barbara!
We do need patience and encouragement (such as this post) in parenting. Sometimes we don’t see the result of all of our tears, struggle, support, and love for years. My kids are all adults now with children of their own. I think we only realize later on when they are grown, what an impact we have had on our children’s lives.
I’m grateful for the perspective from those are you ahead of me, so thank you for sharing and being here.
This is a great verse for parenting. Because it is for the long haul and we can grow weary. And of doing the same thing over and over again. Or of having the same conversation over and over again. But in the end the fruit will be there. I know I have never regretted the talks we have had. The time we have spent together. Even though they may have been inconvenient or hard at the time. Thanks for this reminder. I needed it today.
I sometimes get weary of the repetition, and then I remember God has been quite repetitive with me. Ah, perspective! Thanks for being here, Theresa! I’m glad you could be encouraged.
Great word and resources. Stay strong, Mama. Saying a prayer for both of us right now in our parenting journey. laurensparks.net
You too, my friend. xo
Kristin, I know exactly how you feel. I have 3 kids ages 15, 14, and 11. Living counter culturally can be very difficult at times, but also so rewarding. I tell my kids that as Christians we are supposed to look different than the world. We are to live radical! Thank you so much for sharing this and for the encouraging verse.
Thank you for your encouragement today too. Keep on doing the good, radical things for your people, Angela! I’m glad you’re here today.
What a great reminder for me today friend! Sometimes it is so hard, and I get so weary. But it is for good reason. And maybe my weariness is a signal to spend more time with God in these issues.
I’m glad I wasn’t the only one who needed the reminder! 🙂 Yes, you’re right, good weariness and the push to draw nearer to God is true in my life too. Thanks for being here!
It is so easy to want to just give up sometimes when we are exhausted from caring for our families or from illness or when we don’t see results. But God will give us the strength to keep going even when it gets hard. We may not see the results but God has His timing for everything. Blessings to you, Kristin!
Thank you, Gayl! I’m glad you’re here.
Thank you for this post! It spoke to me a bit differently…in doing good with friends and helping others out. I am the local friend who people call when they need me to watch their kids. I tell friends to call me when they need me and I mean it with my whole heart. I really don’t mind at all and I love helping people out who do not have family nearby to help them with kids. Sometimes I find myself wishing I had a friend like myself (and I am not saying I am the greatest friend ever…it is hard to put my thoughts into words). But any time I start thinking like that or start thinking about saying “no” I realize God has allowed me to be a stay a home mom and I can surely help others out who either can’t be a stay at home mom or who just don’t have family around to help.
And also, the whole sleepover thing is constantly an internal debate I have with myself. I don’t know what to do. We have had several of Penny’s friends spend the night (mainly when helping their parents out) but I am even wondering if we should do that any more. Thankfully Penny has not yet been invited to spend the night but when she does I just don’t know. Maybe I will email you soon so I can bounce all of my thoughts on you about this subject because it is something I cannot decide on.
You know you can email me anytime! I really appreciate what you say about friendship. It’s important to be the kind of friend you want to have, even when that’s hard or wearisome. I’m so encouraged by you and your way of living! Love you!