By Heidi Jo Fulk

I have disciplined children all day. I have corrected children all day. I have given explanations to children all day. And it’s only two o’clock in the afternoon.

My day started off so well. A sunny, early morning. Coffee pre-set and waiting for me as I came downstairs. Some quiet time to study my Bible and pray. That lasted 10 minutes.
Now I’m not a rookie. I’ve been a mom for nine years, we have four kiddos in this house, and many mornings do not go smoothly — to say the least. But for some reason, today seems a little more “eventful.” There has been complaining, whining, arguing, talking back (one of those phrases my mother always said I would use some day), disrespect, blatant disobedience, stomping feet, rolling eyes, and crying.
I have responded with controlled explanations, Biblical examples, reminders of rules
and expectations, reasonable consequences … and … exasperated sighs, clenched-teeth explanations, stomping feet, rolling eyes, and crying.

Right now there’s a lull in the storm — a little peace. Has my correction finally had some effect? Or is more waiting for me after I get done typing this sentence? Just in case, I’d better ponder quickly.

As I’ve explained and admitted, I’ve had some correct reactions to the disobedience I’ve been faced with today, and some not-so-correct — ok, sinful — reactions too. So why not just throw in the towel? Why continue to correct and train? Why not give into the whining or stop trying to apply Biblical truth with a bunch of little kids?

Because that’s what I’m called to do. And dear mom, it’s what you’re called to do, too. These are verses I’m guessing you’ve read or heard many times before, but would you look at them with a fresh perspective right now?

Deuteronomy 11:18-21 — “Imprint these words of mine on your hearts and minds,
bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the heavens are above the earth, your days and those of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your fathers.”

The Word of God. Imprinted in the two most influential parts of our bodies: our hearts and minds. Bound to us. Placed as an obvious symbol in an obvious place. The Word on and in ourselves first and then taught to our children. And not just taught once or by someone “more qualified,” but by us — the parents — all the time and everywhere.

This passage is our battle cry for perseverance. These verses give us a why and how to keep on going — especially on days like mine today. We can’t give up or give in. We can’t look for an easy way out. The stakes are too high. The calling is too great. We must press on! We must live out and teach the Gospel to these precious ones God has entrusted to us.

I know it’s tiring. I know you’ve felt the same weariness I’m feeling today no matter what stage of motherhood you’re in right now. So let’s pray for one another. Let’s spur each other on to continue in truth and love. I’m rooting for you. Now back to it! Our calling awaits!

Heidi Jo Fulk is passionate about encouraging woman and girls to love and live God’s word.  She is wife to her high school sweetheart, Dan, and mom to their four young children — Emma Jo, Gretchen, Tucker and Brock. Heidi leads a women’s Bible study and an elementary girls’ ministry at her church.

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