Did you know it may take a long time to see the seeds of goodness that you have planted in the world reap a harvest? In fact, sometimes you won’t have the joy of experiencing the fruit of your faithfulness until you get to Heaven. Nevertheless, I urge you to not grow weary in well-doing, but keep pressing on and letting the Holy Spirit empower you. 

I love being a dad. There’s nothing better in this world than seeing my kids smile and watching them learn and grow. However, there’s also a price to be paid for being a parent. Before we had our own family, I used to look at people who had kids and hear them talk about how happy they were, but all the while I would be thinking to myself, They don’t look happy. They look tired and poor and like they never have a moment free. At the same time, I watched every single one of them grow in character; they were more patient, more kind, and more loving, even those who had started out really rough around the edges. Indeed, parenting is a sacrifice, but there’s something extremely rewarding about giving yourself away for the sake of your children. Being called to invest in another human being tirelessly and without thanks builds the human spirit and strengthens the soul unlike anything else. 

Friend, as a Christian, pouring into the lives of others without earthly reward is one of the most profound and deeply spiritual experiences you can have. Whether it’s your children, grandchildren, spouse, friends, or students, relinquishing your own desires for the sake of another will enrich your soul, even when you don’t perceive a benefit or payoff. If you’ve been walking the road of faithfulness for a long time and feel close to giving up, my heart’s cry for you is to keep going — keep giving, keep loving, keep praying, keep sacrificing, and keep trusting the Lord to finish the good work He started, both in you and in those you care for!