Perseverance

When I was expecting my first child I began reading parenting books. I'd already had some education in child development and parenting as I had a Master's Degree in counseling and had worked as a family counselor for a couple years. Still, I'm a studier, so I read up.

When my first precious baby was born I kept reading. Magazines, books, etc.I felt I was prepared as I could be. However, becoming a mom turned my life upside down. No matter how much head knowledge I had about motherhood, it fell drastically short of what was needed to actually be a mother.

After that first initiation, I was blessed with three more sweet little people. Each one came with their own unique little personalities. Many of the things I had learned about parenting my oldest, were completely useless with the other children.

It's as if parenting, being a mom, and raising children is a constant learning process. Sometimes one that blows my mind, sometimes one that's the greatest thrill ride imaginable.

One of the tools, skills, or whatever you wish to call it that I've found extremely helpful in motherhood is perseverance.

It means never giving up.

It means hanging on to what you say longer than your child argues about it.

It means doing the same thing over and over and over.

It means saying the same thing over and over and over.

Don't get me wrong, there are days I get tired. There are times I deal with chronic fatigue. during those times I'm not as active in parenting and lose a bit of my perseverance, but by the grace of God, I'm able to not give up.

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

When I don't give up, when I keep pushing forward, the reward makes it more than worth it. I get a child who obeys. I get a lesson that finally sinks in. I get bunches of hugs and kisses.

God is faithful to sustain me when I rely on Him, seek Him, and follow Him. It isn't within my own strength that I find the ability to keep going when I'm tired, frustrated, and/or at the end of my rope. It isn't my job to keep pushing forward, but to drop to my knees and seek the Lord's guidance and strength. this is how we persevere. this is how we don't weary of doing good. And this is how we reap a good harvest.

Perseverance, not my our own might, but by the hand of the Mighty One.