Be Diligent

Toby and I have been feeling lately like we need to be more diligent in using Scripture in the raising and training of our children. After all, the standards we are trying to hold them to are God's standards rather than our own, and we feel they need to know what His Word says about things like love, obedience and service. So, we recently came up with a select list of verses we want to help the children to memorize to aid in growing in certain areas.

I think all kids struggle in some degree or another with the concept of diligence. You know, doing a job until it's done, and done well. Not giving up half-way through. We see this lack most clearly around this house in the areas of schoolwork and chores (of course).

The other day was a doozy. Hours of me reminding my children, "Finish up that worksheet, now." "You haven't finished picking up your room." "You can play after you finish your work." "Would you please quit messing around and get it done??" (Goodness, I do sound like an ogre!) Finally I snapped. I may not have said it, but I know I was thinking, "You know, school is sounding like a great idea. Someone else can deal with whining, uncooperative kids and I can relax a little. They would probably behave much better for a teacher than they do for me. I wonder when the next school bus drives by..." Meanwhile, I'm reminding my girls for probably the thirtieth time that morning of Galatians 6:9 (our verse for this week) : Do not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

As the words are coming out of my mouth, I hear the small, yet persistent voice of the Spirit speaking the same words to my heart. "This is your job right now. Don't give up. It's hard right now, but if you keep going, working in My strength rather than your own, you will reap a harvest of righteousness in these babes of yours. So don't grow weary in doing this good. I'll help you."

And with that, a deep breath, a prayer of thanks and the last school bus flying by, we got back to work. And the faith of a faithless young mama is bolstered for another day.