I heard a story once of a tree planted by a mother and child. They had the perfect spot selected in the front yard for a specially picked tree. They worked together, digging the hole and planting the tree. Yet, with each attempt, the tree was crooked. They toiled and worked for hours, and finally settled for what they thought was perfect. Both mom and child were exhausted by this point. The tree was still a hair crooked, but nothing noticeable.
Over time, the tree grew. The crookedness of the tree became more pronounced and defined. What was once barely noticeable at a quick glance was now obvious to everyone. Year after year, the tree leaned more and more to one side. The time finally came when the position of the tree became a threat to safety and was chopped down and removed.
Recently, I received a tear-filled call from someone who is terribly concerned at what was and is being planted in a child’s life. Practically begging for prayer, the caller shared details of their concern. At the same time, I started thinking about my own parenting and asking myself the hard questions. Am I focusing on what I perceive to be the ‘right things’ (aka: usually the wrong or unimportant things) setting my children up for crooked growth? Do I let too much of the wrong things slide by, hoping in the exhaustion of raising children, that things will straighten themselves out?
Parenting is hard work!! You don’t realize how intricately challenging it is until you’re immersed in it. Sure, you can make certain plans ahead of time and have ideals in mind for your family. But in all those imagined scenarios, there’s never any disobedience or curious rebellion. There’s always compliance and immediate obedience, no questions asked. Things change when there’s a mini version of yourself looking back at you, trying to understand why you’re instructing them in that way.
Keep working hard at the planting process. This is not a quick process. There will be exhaustion and fatigue, dirt and fertilizer. (Yes, even moments that seem filled with manure). Sore muscles and achy knees. Those closest to you may question your choices and even mock you.
Over time, your efforts will be noticeable.
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On Fridays, I link up with Lisa-Jo and her five-minute Friday community. The rules are simple. Take the prompt and let the words flow freely. Don’t worry about grammar, phrasing or any other of those writing details. Just write.