The Secret to Persevering in Parenting
The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary, O God, and worn out. Proverbs 30:1 ESV
There are only so many things I can actually accomplish during my day. Most of the time I say yes to commitments believing I am the only one for the job. In some circumstances that may be true, but in all honesty, I naturally give my attention and energy to things able to be delegated.
My family has entered the mad dash to the finish line of the school year. Writing deadlines are approaching. Spring activities are in full swing and the calendar is stacked. It’s easy to set my heart upon an idyllic beach setting to take away the demands around me, but I’m called to stay present and persevere through my days.
How, then, can I stay faithful to what is right in front of me without wasting away altogether?
Stop trying to be the hero.
I recently listed to a sermon by John Piper, an author and theologian, about how to know when my good deeds are eternally significant or merely worthless. Do you know his answer? We will know the eternally significant deeds of our life based upon whether it requires our dependence on the Lord.
If the work that we are doing is merely building up our own kingdoms, we will go about it in our own strength, and we will burn out.
If the same work we are doing is in order to serve and love others for the glory of God, we will rely on His strength and persevere.
In other words, we can’t be the hero in our own stories if we want our work to count for eternity.
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10–11
As a mother who also schools from home, I am tempted to pride myself on the sacrificial nature of my day job, but that only communicates my work is about me and not making much of Christ.
My performance is not what is praise worthy.
The behavior of my kids is not what is praise worthy.
Their academic success is not what is praise worthy.
The only One worthy of praise is my loving Father who has given me wisdom and strength and love to be able to pour out day after day. That’s it.
Piper reminded me that not all sacrificial work is virtuous. I must continue to test my heart to discern whether I am sacrificing in motherhood for my own name or for a greater name. So, I’m asking myself this week:
Where can I raise my hand and ask for help?
What is one thing I can say no to this week for no other reason than to remind myself I don’t have to do it all?
Where in my parenting am I trusting in my own performance rather than God’s strength?
What is one verse that I can memorize to help me remember it’s not all about me?
What area do I feel I am trusting in God’s strength, and what fruit do I see from it?
In the end, I pray God will receive the glory for how I stewarded my days, loved my children, and trusted in His promises. Will you join me?