The Fruit Will Follow

For those moms of littles -

The days seem oh so long and unproductive, but the years do amazingly fly by.

Are you wondering what you are accomplishing? Do you work hard each day and see little fruit?

It's not time yet. These precious gems take years to polish and refine until they catch His light just right and will astound even you.

Now, is the time of working, of removing impurities, of setting examples. They watch everything and when you selflessly give of yourself everyday, they see it. Even with your imperfections, they see your heart, your commitment to it, to them.

You'll see. Keep going. Don't grow weary, well, take a nap (I've taken plenty, and still sneak them in when I can) if you need one, but don't give up, don't lose heart.

Can I give you a glimpse of what's to come?

Unique, amazing individuals. Point them daily to Jesus and He takes care of the rest. And, each day seek ways to live out what He looks like with skin on. You won't do it perfectly, none of us do, but from your mistakes they will gather strength to try again and not demand self-perfection.

When you press through weariness, they will learn to not quit when school is hard and the job search long.

When you teach them to clean up their toys they will eventually remember as they enter their dorm room to work on putting away at least some of their things some of the time.

When you break down and cry, and ask their forgiveness for your short temper, they will learn to forgive and be a part of restored love.

When you bow your head before each meal and they hear you pray they will learn to give thanks for all things in all circumstances.

When you provide their daily meals, and clothing, and shelter, they will see the faithfulness of love and learn that life is a long journey requiring commitment and perseverance.

When you talk through their questions about the Bible and listen to their memory work, they will slowly grasp the importance of disciplined time in God's Word to build that eternal relationship.

The fruit is coming, but not to say it's all amazing on the other side. Teenage years are not dreaded for no reason. There are still days that you think they picked up nothing along the way and they continue to wrestle with certain areas, hmm, kinda like I still continue to wrestle in certain areas well into my 40s. A byproduct of my parents strengths and sinfulness covered by a whole lot of hours in God's Word.

More fruit. Still coming. 

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