Mama, Your Effort Now IS Worth It!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9, NIV

Hi Friends,

Every spring, I’m reminded that the time and effort we put in early on in our children’s lives isn’t wasted.

About 5 years ago, I raided the flower beds of Grandma Cole, my sons’ great-grandmother. Her home on the corner of the family’s land was long gone, except for the beautiful Irises I saw blooming each year close to the road. Though she had been gone for several decades, and she likely planted those Irises decades before that— in the last century, as my youngest son says!—They continue to speak of her love of flowers and her faithfulness as she cared for them.

Her faithfulness to plant the bulbs and keep them watered the first few years paid dividends in her life and now the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The same can be said of her faith. Not all of her children and grandchildren are faithful, but many, including those in my husband’s family, are. Had it not been for the effort Grandma Cole put in decades before raising 10 (Yes, ten!) children, who knows where they would all be right now.

Every year, Grandma Cole’s Irises encourage me, since as moms, one of the hardest parts of our job is that we can’t often see the finish line during the day in and day out of mothering. Sure, we know it is there. Someday, when they leave for college, when they turn 18, or when they graduate high school. But during the long toddler and middle school years, the end seems invisible. Hidden behind tantrums, piles of laundry, and volunteer signups.

Now that my two oldest sons are in high school, the end is a little clearer, and some days it feels like it is approaching like a freight train. I’m starting to see signs that the hard work of the months and years that I put into my toddlers and elementary school children is paying off, as my sons are teens that I genuinely enjoy being around. (Yes, I am fully aware from my girl Mom friends that girls can be much more of a challenge during the teen years!). My prayer is that the character and culture of our family that I see in my boys, like creativity and a love for science and discovery, go deeper into their love for Jesus.

As Mother’s Day approaches this month, remember that the effort and investment you’re putting in now will be worth it. No, I can’t guarantee that all your children will be Christians who love and serve God, but I can guarantee that your effort now is not wasted (Gal. 6:9).

Hope for the Weary Mom Devotional - I’ve mentioned it many times over the years because it is just that good! If you need encouragement, especially during the long toddler and elementary school years, this devotional is for you!

Ministry of Motherhood - this book I read early on, and it gave me a vision of motherhood not as competing with my calling and ministry but as my central ministry.

Parenting with Love and Logic - this book, and the one for the “early years,” are fantastic for raising children. A little less helpful for extremely neurodivergent children, but the principles have helped me raise confident, competent children in a world where many struggle with anxiety.

Raising Your Spirited Child - this one is excellent for children who are a little extra. I love how I had immediate ideas to apply what I learned at the end of each chapter. I didn’t even have to read the whole book before I saw a difference in my family.

Little Habits, Big Faith - this one is excellent for ideas to instill a lasting faith in your kids without wearing both of you out!

Father, please give us hope on those long, hard days that the work we put in today to raise godly, kind kids, who love you and others well, isn’t wasted. Help us to keep our eyes on you and on the goal you’ve set before us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Grace and Peace,

Tara L. Cole

P.S. Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that when you purchase through them, you help support this ministry at no extra charge to you. Thank you! I only recommend products and services that I use and trust.