My son’s been scattering corn in our backyard, hoping to draw in some turkeys. Every day, a little more corn appears in between the freshly cut blades of grass. His sisters asked why he keeps doing it. The turkeys will never come, they despaired. They’ll come, he insisted.
Weeks passed. A month passed. More corn. No turkeys.
I set the oven timer, wiping off the kitchen island and waiting for the apple brownies to bake. He raced into the kitchen, breathless and excited.
“Mama! Mama! They’re here! They came!”
Turning from the sink, I peered out the front window. We weren’t expecting company.
“No, the turkeys, mama! Look in the backyard!”
Together we looked out the back window where six glorious turkeys stood beneath the treehouse, puffed chests and heads held high. We watched them quietly, holding our breath, lest they fly away in fright.
They made their way across the yard and along the fence before flying to the trees.
Triumphantly, he turned to me and said, “See? I knew they’d come. It wasn’t hopeless.”
His words encourage my heart. I’ve felt defeated lately, in motherhood, in ministry, in friendships. I’ve wondered why keep trying when it’s obvious it’s not making a difference?
But just then, I saw in my son’s gleaming eyes, the hope from within, and I knew. No matter how hopeless things seem, keep doing what you’re doing. When you’re exhausted, overwhelmed and overburdened, weary from your routine, keep doing what you’re doing.
Ignore the voices discouraging you, the ones who say you won’t make a difference. It’s not worth it. It’s hopeless.
There will always be people who find the negative in every situation.
Put them out of your mind. Focus on your tasks and remember who you’re doing them for. Because it’s not hopeless and you are making a difference and those turkeys—which aren’t turkeys in YOUR life—will come when the time is right.
I’ve included some of my favorite verses to encourage you. Consider jotting them down on a 3×5 and posting them where you’ll see it throughout the day. This helps me so much! <3
Scripture Look-up:
- Let us not become weary in well doing; for in due season, we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9
- And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
- Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
- I can do all things through Jesus Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Don’t lose heart. Don’t lose hope. Keep doing those hard things even if you don’t see the results you want because one day, it will be all worth it.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. Romans 15:13
This is just what I needed in my life! Your son gives me hope that as long as I believe it, it will come true!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
So glad you stopped by to read and found encouragement. <3
Such a sweet little one!
Thank you!
I had a rough day today and reading this helped. It is amazing how our children can also help turn things around for us. This is something I needed to remember. Thanks for sharing.
Oh no, I’m sorry you had a rough day. It’s hard being a mom. Yes, sometimes the words that come out of their mouths never fail to amaze me and I’m thankful for their perspective, perseverance, and sweet words. Thank you so much!
Wow! Such a sweet story to bring Mama’s encouragement. Just the words I needed to read today.
It was sweet! <3 Thank you for reading!
It’s so easy to get drug down by all the negative voices. I love your encouraging verses!
So true! We have to make a concentrated effort to think on those things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of a good report (Phil 4:8). Thank you so much! <3
YES! It’s incredible the faith kids have. We can learn so much from them.
True! Their perspective is enlightening! <3