Mustard Seed Moments: Choosing the Hard Way

     Sometimes you have to make di cult choices–like doing what’s hard, instead of what feels easier. e hard way is tough, because it takes a lot of will to do something that requires sacri ce and diligence. But oftentimes, it is the hard way that produces the greatest joy.

     I got a call yesterday from a small private school my daughter attended for all of about 5 weeks, two years ago. Would I be available to substitute teach? As I sat and contemplated my magazine article deadline, I really just wanted to focus on that. I was tired, dead tired, after a long week of work, volunteering, parenting, and reaching out to friends with serious health issues. I wanted to say no. I really did. But I did not have a single meeting on my calendar. I knew the school really needed a sub, and I also knew I really didn’t have an excuse. I could nish my article after school, even though that would mean a 12-hour (or more) workday…so I said yes.

     As soon as the kids started coming into the classroom, I started feeling it–joy. I knew these kids! I had subbed for this class before, even though it had been a long time ago. ey’re in fth grade now. When I rst met them, they were in third. Other kids I saw in the hall had played volleyball with Jenna. Back then, they were 5th or 6th graders. Now, they are at the top of the middle school, with braces on their teeth. How fun it was to see how these children were growing and maturing! And, when one of them led the class in prayer, my heart over owed. they were growing in Christ, too.

     Whatever burden I felt last night, when I said “yes” to getting up early to teach this morning, has now been lifted. It has been replaced with joy. at’s what happens when we say yes to God, even when it’s hard. We may know what we want…but He knows what we need.

“I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize.” – Philippians 3:12 (CEV)

“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” – Hebrews 10:36