Commitment means not giving up even when we are weary.
Last weekend, I finally planted some tomato plants as well as a few okra plants. I also planted some herbs around the edges of my raised beds in hopes of foiling the very bold and always hungry deer, who are only too happy to jump my fence to get to my plants. Deer won’t eat herbs; so we will see how it all works out.
I planted some annuals too, all very lovingly and looking forward to watching it all take root. I even found myself saying a prayer for  protection over my tender new plants.
I came home from work yesterday and watered everything. There was a fabulous breeze. It’s always so exciting planting something new. I was saying a prayer of thanks for the beautiful day and the growing plants when I was reminded that it’s always great in the beginning.
At the beginning of the growing season, I can’t wait to get outside to check on the progress of fresh life. I look forward to watering and nurturing what I planted with my own hands.
The weather is so nice in the beginning, but as the season wears on, I get weary. As May turns to June, it gets hot and by July, it’s scorching. In July, I dread going outside to water because it doesn’t matter whether it’s 8:00 in the morning or in the evening, it’s scorching hot.
Then there’s the pests. By July, some sort of insect will be attacking my plants. Everything from white flies to tomato worms will be interested in destroying what I worked hard to grow. It’s a never-ending struggle and I get weary. But, I won’t give up.
I won’t give up because I am committed to protect and nurture what I have planted even when it’s not always fun.
I am reminded of other things in life that deserve the same commitment even when we get weary. Exercise plans are always exciting in the beginning. New eating plans are exciting in the beginning. New jobs are usually exciting. New relationships are exciting too. New church memberships and new Bible studies and prayer plans are also exciting in the beginning.
When something is new, it’s easy to get on board. It’s fresh. It’s exciting. Making a commitment in the beginning of anything is a piece of cake. The work doesn’t even feel like work and we are happy and grateful for a while. Then, as the season wears on, we get weary, just like I feel about watering and fighting pests in July.
But, when we feel weary, we need to pray and lean into Jesus. Commitment has nothing to do with feelings. Commitment is a promise and when we are doing God’s work, there is help. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit knows how to pray for us when we don’t even know what to pray.
The Bible also tells us, “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 That goes for harvests way more important than tomatoes and okra.
Sometimes we need a break. Sometimes we need rest, but giving up on what God has planted in us and for us shouldn’t be an option.
A cool breeze reminded me today. Perhaps you needed reminding too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂