Note: A Special Thank You to our Sponsors!
They were fighting…again. When you have eight kids sometimes the bickering can seem relentless. The mere thought of trying to referee another disagreement had me on the verge of tears.
I know that there is much my kids can learn through sibling rivalry, but at the moment, my thoughts were more like visions of letting them beat the tar out of each other.
In fact, there are times I have actually done that and it didn’t turn out as poorly as you might think, but that’s a story for another day.
The point is motherhood can become wearisome for countless reasons, but these moments (and their reasons) are never, never beyond God’s reach nor outside of His sovereignty.
I’ve found much encouragement as a mom in God’s word, but one of my favorite passages over these 27+ years of mothering has been Galatians 6:7-10 (NLT):
Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
I’ve actually used this passage in dealing with our kids’ sibling rivalry. For several years we had a garden, so my kids understood that kind of metaphor.
I would ask them, “If you plant corn seeds, will you harvest green beans?” Of course not. “It’s the same thing in relationships.” You will harvest what you plant.
It’s not only true for relationships, but it’s also true in pretty much every area of our lives, including raising our children.
Mothering is no small task…not if you want to do it well. In fact, if it brings you to your knees, you are probably doing it right.
In a culture that’s all about “me”, it can be easy to fall into self-pity about the work it takes to be a good mom, but there is a much, much bigger story going here.
It’s often hard (read “impossible”) to see because this walk is a walk of faith and the Bible describes faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do NOT see.” (Hebrews 11:1)
If we could see it, it wouldn’t be faith. So we (by faith) keep planting good seeds.
The passage above clearly tells us that this principle displays God’s justice and while Sally Sue next door may seem like she can “do it all”, I can pretty much guarantee that she is making unseen sacrifices and eventually the seeds she is sowing will be revealed at harvest time.
But enough about Sally Sue.
Each of us is responsible for our own “backyard”.
So what seeds are you planting in yours to not grow weary in your homeschool?
Rest assured that at the right time you WILL reap a harvest if you do NOT give up. So don’t grow weary in your homeschool, sweet mom!
[magicactionbox]
*****
Durenda has been married to Darryl since 1989 and is a mom to eight kids (born 1991-2004). This journey of motherhood has been and continues to affect her deeply. She has always thought of motherhood as the ultimate career, but had no idea the countless ways that it would deepen and humble her. Many, many times she found herself unsure and struggling and discovered God’s strength at the end of her rope. She was the grateful recipient of copious amounts of God’s grace that came when she took the time to slow her heart, even for a short time, and listen for His still, small voice. Her greatest joy is helping moms discover that grace as well and with it, the courage to put their full trust in Him, knowing He will NEVER leave or forsake them. Durenda has written The Unhurried Homeschooler-a simple, mercifully short book on homeschooling and Unhurried Grace for a Mom’s Heart. She is the owner/writer/host of her blog and podcast, Durenda Wilson.
*****
4 Responses
I do accept as true with all of the ideas you have
introduced to your post. They are very convincing and will
certainly work. Still, the posts are very brief for starters.
Could you please prolong them a bit from subsequent time?
Thanks for the post.
Hi Joy! I’m not accepting guest posts at this time, but check back with me again in the fall. 🙂
Hi! Thanks for this blog. I was wondering if you have guest writers on your blog? I’m a Christian homeschool mom who has an ad-free encouragement for moms blog. I love to write and my heart is to encourage.