Be not weary in well doing, for in due season
you shall reap if you faint not. Galatians 6:9
During the autumn months of September and October, I am reminded of the many kinds of harvests in life and the struggles young mothers face as they endeavor to plant the seed of God in their children’s impressionable hearts. When children are small, caring for their needs seems like an endless assignment in a war zone with no end in sight and no reinforcements galloping up to relieve or assume this seemingly thankless task. You are in the trenches, hunkered down for the battle, dug-in for the long haul. As a ministry wife, we assume double duty.
In addition to the daily care of children and our responsibility as a Shepherdess, we must make time to plant God’s Word in our child’s tender heart. Notice that I say, “make time.” Planting and watering is not so difficult, but oh, the toil of cultivation, the backbreaking work of pulling up the weeds seem endless.
The Bible says, the husbandman (planter) waits for the precious fruit, and has long patience for it. The besieged mother must find grace to wait, to cultivate patience in her own life, knowing someday she will reap a good harvest if she doesn’t faint in weariness or frustration. The days of active duty will soon end and your faithful and patient nurturing will give back abundant blessings. A young mother’s sacrifice will return like a comforting benediction in the wintertime of life.
Child rearing is a temporary duty that will soon pass. You will be out of the trenches in no time, awaiting another heavenly assignment. Until then, laugh often with your children, love them unconditionally, play with them daily, and pray for them always. One day soon, you will bring to God a bountiful harvest of your patient and enduring love. ♦
©2009 Ruth Ellinger. All rights reserved
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