DO NOT GROW WEARY IN DOING GOOD

Paul tells the Galatian Christians, "So don't get tired fo doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time." (6:9)

Having little ones around the house when we are of an age to anticipate an empty nest and visiting grandkids has been a test of endurance for Ellen and me. And I don't know about her inner workings, but tonight I was reflecting on how old and tired I feel. We talked about pulling back out the C.S. Lewis books and the toys and furnishings that we thought were in long-term storage for the grandchildren. I have to take a deep breath and bring myself back to G-rated movies and children's books and getting on the floor and playing actively. And tonight, anyway, I was feeling, "I just don't think I can do all this again."

But I don't HAVE to do "all this" again. I only need to do "this" today. Tomorrow will take care of itself. The Scriptures are telling me not to let myself get discouraged and give up. I notice that it says I will reap a harvest of blessing AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME. I'd rather reap now, and then sit around in a hammock in my semi-retirement, enjoying all of the personal projects that I have put off while raising children. But it is not that time. Not yet.

Ten minutes before I die, I will be so glad to have made the right choice today. And ten minutes after I die, I will realize how short my life was, anyway. Compared to eternity, my personal projects are nothing. Jesus came to this earth for a shorter time than I have been here, and He spent His days serving, not being served, and giving His life as a ransom for many. In my case, my job is to invest in eternal friendships, so that when I get to heaven I will be welcomed into my eternal home (Luke 16).

"LORD, thank You for your continual reminders and encouragements tucked away in the New Testament. Forgive me for thinking that there is a limit to my energy and my endurance. No matter how long I endure, it is a very short time compared to eternity. And eternity is what life is all about. Thank you, Father, for Jesus and the daily empowerment of Your Spirit, who stirs up and delivers this prayer. Amen."
-ker