Recently we took in a ten-month-old puppy from our last year’s litter. I say puppy but this silver female weighed in at 108 lbs. at her last vet visit. She’s tenderhearted and loves affection. Yet, with the other dogs, she can be very Eeyore-like. Also, I had heard from her owner she could be stubborn. But I didn’t realize how stubborn until our first “walk,” or shall I say brawl?

The very event that causes our older chocolate lab to dance in place each morning until I pick up the leash caused a very different impression on Eeyore. She bucked and fought me, but I was determined to win. My winning meant she would win. She could leave the property and enjoy a lovely stroll in the country where the deer frolic and cows graze.

Have you ever felt like that in your mothering? You intend good for your children but on the path to freedom and blessing willfulness pops up? Then you have to deal with the attitudes (yours and theirs). In the moment you may feel like, “Why try?”

I hope not. But the reality is we can grow weary. We prayerfully move forward, seeking to hear our kid’s heart and express the Father’s heart—helping them see the reason behind our request, then we pray some more. All the while asking ourselves:

• Have I been asking too much of them?
• Have I been asking enough of them?
• Surely, they are just over-the-top tired
• I can’t let it go or it will become a pattern
• Lord, HELP!

Then breakthrough, blessed breakthrough! And peace settles like a walk in the countryside, we are enjoying the beauty and breathing deep of the mountain air—together!

Why do I bring this up at Mother’s Day? Because I want to encourage moms to place character over placating and pacifying.

This pup came to me thirty pounds overweight because every command was enacted with a treat. That is NOT obedience. It’s bribery. She didn’t feel well because she’d been overindulged.

My hat is off to every mom who places the long-term happiness of their child over a circumstantial smile earned with immediate gratification. Yes, we can bless them. Daily even. We can make even tough lessons sweet with creativity. But if we have to do a song-and-dance to accomplish simple tasks—beware. We reap what we sow. We reap later than we sow. And we reap more than we sow. Sow wisely.

Today let’s celebrate the times we:

– persisted in bathing a resistant toddler

– resisted the temper tantrum demanding we buy the impulse item at the store

– took time to read with our children and listen to them read aloud

– said no to an all accessories provided phone for the thirteen-year-old

– patiently coached that dreaded math lesson

– willingly taught grammar and spelling (oh, spelling…my pitfall)

– lovingly said YES to things that build and NO to things that tear down bodies, relationships, and character

– continued to love, encourage, and pray (like my mom did—bless her)

We usually focus on the glamor of Motherhood this time of year—and so we should. Celebrate those precious buntings, tender kisses, their hand in ours, stories together, bath times, PB&J’s in the grass, walks, and late-night talks with our teens.

But could we also for a moment remember what humble places God has brought us from and praise Him? And again surrender to His beautiful plan of Christ-likeness? It’s worth it. Right? SO worth it!

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 1:9).

Thank you American Greeting Cards

On this Mother’s Day, rejoice if you have fought any battles for righteousness and stood for justice. The reward will come, and most importantly, our children will bear the fruit of a life well-guided. Through every challenge or weak-willed moment, we lean into Christ, trusting that He is completing a good work in us. We can rest and recharge in Him! Praise God our children’s character isn’t entirely reliant on us as we parent.

Most importantly our kids will bear the fruit of righteousness for the One who is worthy of our all.

Be confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

For the Jacob Generation!

Melinda Poling