Sometimes, life just doesn’t seem fair. We work and work and work and seemingly can’t catch a break. Sometimes, we go through life thinking that it just doesn’t matter what I do–I’m never going to get ahead. We might be working long hours. We might be working two or more jobs. We might be working and going to school to get ahead. We might simply be struggling with balancing home and work life. After a while, all this work and no play creates an unbelievable amount of stress in our lives. I know there were times in my life when I struggled with many of those issues. I questioned why I worked so hard for seemingly little reward. Sometimes, it seemed like it would be easier to simply quit and give up and stop treading water, but I kept on going anyway. If you have ever felt that way or currently feel this way, I encourage you to continue on your journey.
Several months ago, I decided to drive by the very first house I can remember our family living in when I was a young child. I am not sure why I wanted to do that but for some reason I was just in the mood to think back on my childhood. I managed to drive by this small, brick home with so many great memories. What immediately struck me was this huge pink blossom tree in the front yard. I don’t even know what type of tree it was; perhaps a dogwood or pink dogwood. Nonetheless, I distinctly remembered my dad planting this tree probably over 45 years ago. I remembered watching him plant that small sapling on that particular day all those years ago and now it was a strong, blossoming tree towering over the front yard. It so reminded me of Galatians 6:9 when it speaks of letting us not lose heart in doing good for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.
I am sure that little tree endured through many terrible winters and hot summers, but it endured. It took years and years for it to grow into the beautiful tree that now graces that yard, but the beauty is now there for others to enjoy. What was planted years ago is now more breathtaking than ever.
In my life, I have learned to focus less on the short-term and more on what God’s purpose is for my life. If I focus on His purpose and the long-term goal, I am not as concerned with short term setbacks. Instead of looking at setbacks as road blocks, they become merely stepping stones to the larger purpose. Just because I don’t see an immediate reward for what I am doing doesn’t mean there isn’t a benefit. It just may mean that I need to endure and keep moving on and the reward may come later, sometimes in ways I could never imagine.
As you think about your day, your life, and your purpose—don’t grow weary. Who would have thought that an innocent sapling planted over 50 years ago would have reminded me of such a Godly promise? Keep moving on and don’t be discouraged and you will reap in due time.
