Does It Matter?

I read an article today questioning why people even bother with conventional marriage anymore. Essentially the author's point was that marriage is hard and unnatural. Why do something that requires so much work when she is capable of taking care of things on her own without all the messy relationship 'stuff?'

I started thinking about some of the things in my family's life that aren't easy.

My husband has worked his rear-end off this week. As a result of a busy call weekend, he has 19 patients in the hospital right now and it is only Monday. He is home late, tired, and aware that there is more facing him tomorrow.

I feel like I spend these long, hot Summer days reminding my children of the same basic principles (kindness, sharing, appropriate tone, patience) over and over and OVER again every day. Sometimes there is a glimmer that it is sticking...more often there is not.

Tonight at the girls' home I was confronted with the realization that despite my attempts 'to save the world' reality is reality. As much as I believe love is the answer...it is not a quick fix. There have been no emotional conversions. The girls are struggling with the same things this week that they faced months ago. There is not a magic wand that will make everything right in these troubled girls' lives.

There is not a magic wand that makes my husband's call to medicine clean, easy and less stressful or time-consuming.

There is a not a magic wand that makes my children behave and grow up to be deeply rooted, Christ followers.

It could leave one to wonder if the sacrifice of time with family, putting your reputation and your heart on the line day after day, the loss of a second income--or the pride that came from being in the working world--is all that sacrifice really worth it?

And, tonight, I am as convinced as ever that it is. It is because it is what we are called to do. We are called to be obedient--to live and love and serve others--just because God said so. Period.

Most things worth investing in don't show pay off immediately. Many times we don't get to reap what we have sown. But, the truth is, it is not about what we can get out of it. It is certainly not about instant gratification. It is a matter of the heart. It is about loving my Savior with my life.

So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 The Message