“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”  Galatians 6:9 NIV

You have probably heard this time and again as I have: You reap what you sow.

True. 

With a career in education, I have experienced and witnessed this firsthand. Nothing thrills me more than to watch someone reap the benefits of hard work over time whether it is a child learning to read or mastering a difficult skill or an adult that continues to nurture and patiently tend to those in their care until they “get it”. Professionally, and personally, it is the time and effort that we pour into any task or cause along with perseverance that makes the difference.

But nobody says how long it will be between the sowing and the reaping.

The passage in Galatians reminds us that reaping that harvest doesn’t happen overnight. “Do not become weary in doing good.” Good things and greatness take time. To develop the greatness in each child, we need adults that won’t give up. Those that are dedicated to entering the classroom each day and removing barriers so that others can succeed; Those that tirelessly give their time to programs that refine student talent in the arts and athletics. In our homes, we need to support and nurture those we are closest to and plant the seeds of kindness, thoughtfulness, and forgiveness in good times and bad.

The harvest comes when we “do not give up” – When we give that child one more chance or continue to practice and give it one more try or give the grace and mercy we expect to receive. Sometimes there are quick wins and sometimes it takes years to see the cumulative benefit of the work that is done. But at that “proper time” we reap the harvest and how sweet it is! 

However, that isn’t the end of the process. You don’t just reap the harvest and then stop. You start to sow again. 

Dedication. Perseverance. Reward. 

Examples are everywhere. 

This came to mind for me this week as I cheered for my alma mater in the College Football National Championship (Go Dawgs). Regardless of your team affiliation or loyalty, you must admit there are admirable stories of dedication and perseverance of individual athletes and coaches that are the foundation of the winning team’s growth and success over time. As I watched the interviews after the game, I felt excited and proud for those young athletes and their mentors, but I couldn’t help thinking, “What happens next?” You enjoy the celebration but then it’s right back to square one – start working on the next season.

Repeat. 

That’s the part we all have to remember. When your hard work finally pays off or you experience the joy of success (no matter how large or small), you must continue to sow and wait for the next harvest. 

Sow. Reap. Repeat. 

It is hard to predict the outcome for the work we do each day. Will the harvest be a bumper crop, or will it be less than sufficient? Either way, after you reap the harvest you have the chance to do it again. You may make changes to improve what you are already doing or change what you sow altogether moving in a different direction. What matters is the dedication to doing good … to improving and persevering. 

Today, be encouraged. 

Know that what you do each day matters. The seeds you are planting must be nurtured and there will be a great a harvest when the time is right.