Battle Weary?

Last week I met with a couple of other mom friends to pray for our homeschools. As we began to share what's going on in our families and the needs and issues we're facing, I was struck with the reminder that while everyone's circumstances have their own particular flavor, there really isn't anything new under the sun. Complaining kids, bickering siblings, toddlers run amok, the desperate desire for quiet and order. These things are common to every parent, and homeschooling parents in particular. But what do we do about it?
We train and correct our children, we plan our schedule, we organize our homes, we try to see and meet the needs before us. But it's not enough, and we know it. Before, during and after the discipline, direction, and decision, we must pray. It's not a last resort option - it's the first stop that informs all other decisions. God can turn the heart of the whiner, restore relationships, give wisdom for errant toddlers and provide insight for scheduling.
And when progress is slow, frustrating or non-existent and change seems far off, we remember the battle cry of every parent:
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

If it's oft quoted to the point of trite-ness, it might be time to reconsider the truth. We must ask ourselves, "Am I weary because I'm doing this job according to my own strength and understanding?" "Do I want to give up because I'm expecting immediate results from all my labors?" "Do I see what I am doing as a long term investment?"

Asking these questions of ourselves and each other can help reveal what's going on in our hearts, and allow the Holy Spirit to penetrate our weariness with His power and peace.