Discipline Part Two - The work of a laborer

Early mornings, looking out over the wheat fields,

the words Jesus spoke thousands of years ago quickly come to mind,

"the fields are ready unto harvest but the laborers are few".


And my heart turns to the application of these words in my own life.
Am I up for the work of a laborer?

Are there enough moms willing to take up the work

of hard labor in the fields around them?
I won't lie.
I'm tired.
The days are looong,

potty training two toddlers,

after visitation toddler aggression...
and the nights seem even shorter with trips to the bathroom

and pillows cushioning my round middle.

But again, am I up for the job of a laborer in the position God has called me to?

Many times I want to shake my head no, and many times during the day

I fail at being a diligent laborer.

These six kids are the field God has given me to invest in.

This home, this marriage, this life, these friendships

- all surrounding me are the field I'm to be laboring in.

Am I doing the daily work of a laborer,

sowing into their hearts goodness and strength

and the discipline that will make them strong, steady adults?

I want to.

But like any farmer with good intentions, follow-up in live actions has to take place.

The wheat languishes in the fields around us;

I cannot follow this example in the lives of our children.

And so I strive to be diligent in the small things,

tender in voice,

attentive in care,

patient in discipline.

And major in the big things,

time for me and God in the morning,

generous love,

quick forgiveness.



On my chalkboard in our dining room is my daily reminder.

Annaliese has it memorized now and someday,

no doubt, she too will rely on it as a mother.

"Come to me, all ye who labor and are heavy laden

and I will give ye rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn of me,

for I am meek and lowly in heart

and ye will find rest unto your souls

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30