It’s a work in process.

Today I turn 31. It seems so strange. When I was a kid, 30 was old. You’d better have a lot accomplished by 30 because about half your life was over.

Now, it seems surreal. I feel like I’m just starting. I have my children’s lives stretched ahead of me, teaching and correcting and feeding and clothing and teaching some more. Starting the same book for the fourth time in school work with Ruby drives this home: here we go again. Been there, done that. I could teach this book without the words. It seems to stretch on forever, this work I have ahead of me. Some days it’s fun, many days it’s monotonous, and about the time Pierce starts throwing another fit I’ll sigh and wonder what I’ve accomplished, because it doesn’t seem like very much.

But. Momma. Listen here.

These years you’ve served are well spent. Reading that book for the hundredth time to the squirmy toddler who begs for it then walks away half way through is important. Dealing with this tantrum, this time – it’s important. It’s showing them consistency, love, perseverance. That, with God’s help and a good deal of determination, those children of yours are learning, changing, growing, and headed for great things. Created for God’s glory, whatever they do will show His work. And the next time you’re dealing with a tantrum… again… remember this:

You were created for his glory too. This work you’re doing – it’s bringing Him glory too.

It’s so easy to look at the kids, to think that we’re raising them for His glory, that it’s easy to get lost in that and forget that we’re created to bring Him glory too. This work we’re doing is important too. This isn’t just about raising the next generation. It’s also about personal sanctification. God’s refining you in this process too.

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 1:6)

A good work in you… and in your kids.

These are the thoughts I’m thinking as we take a day from school to have a fun day to celebrate the work He’s begun in me… and thankful that He isn’t finished yet.