Keeping The ‘Fruit ‘

I think as parents….. we can ALL agree to one thing

Parenting. Is. Tough!.

It’s a joy to raise little ones up for the Lord, no doubt!  but it’s a job, and a journey that is very hard work, full of up’s and down’s, and can truly be ……. plain old tough.

I was thinking about the popular verse in Galatians  the other day regarding the ‘fruit of the spirit’. I seem to always turn to it, when I want to remind the children of a certain characteristic they need to work on.

Because we all desire our children to walk in Love, Joy, Peace, Patience ……etc. right?

But, ……. what happens when we as moms (or dads) need to work on OUR fruit of the spirit?

What happens when the Love grows cold, or the peace disappears, or that gentleness you once had, has now turned harsh.

I was listening to a small video blog by Courtney  Joseph,  (author of Women Living Well).  She was talking about the importance of parents keeping the fruit of the spirit in our own lives in order to demonstrate it, and be an example to our children.

It got me thinking about how many times we can easily teach it to our children, but fail at executing it out in our own lives.

So, I thought I would post this amazing verse for each one of us to read again …..

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!   Gal 5:22,23

Note the beginning words …. “the Holy Spirit produces” 

Is this what we are sometimes missing as we parent our children?  Are we forgetting the Holy Spirit?

I know I’m guilty of it…… Moving too fast, and being too busy. Not allowing the Holy Spirit to move in, control, and produce the kind of fruit in my life that God so richly desires.

As a Mom, I don’t want ANYTHING to steal my joy! I don’t want to be ‘short’ with the children, snap at them, or be frustrated with them. I want to be patient, gentle, and have self-control.

I want to be able to be humble, patient and full of kindness as I’m teaching them each day – fully clothed in love and compassion!

Take some time and read Colossians 3: 12-17

This beautiful verse talks about being clothed in love. Being compassionate and forgiving, while bearing each other’s weaknesses. This is a great reminder as we train and raise our children.

So, my words to who ever is reading this today, are ……. go slow, take one day at a time, and invite the Holy Spirit to lead your days. Let Him produce to good fruit of the spirit in you as you have the privilege of parenting your children.

After all, we are raising these little ones for Him – for His Glory! That’s enough reason to keep the fruit of the spirit in our lives.

Parenting is tough. Parenting without God by your side is even tougher.