When you feel like tossing in the towel, remember this.

I recently started a Gratitude Journal where each day I write three things for which I’m grateful. I find it helps (forces) me to focus on things that are right in my world rather than things I don’t like.

I know most busy parents don’t need another item on their daily to-do list so I’m not suggesting you start one – OK, maybe I am – but the real reason I tell you about this is something that occurred to me the other day while writing in it.

I was thanking the Lord for the amazing things happening in my kids’ lives. I was grateful for how all are passionately serving the Lord, active in their local church, have joyful marriages and are just doing really well in all areas – much better than I was at their ages.

Then I remembered back to my parenting days when I often wondered, “Is there any hope for this mess?” There was the bickering, the whining, the irresponsibility – and that’s just a list of things wrong with me. The kids had all those and more. But that’s when it dawned on me.

Parenting is often like the story of that little engine that was asked to pull the huge train up the giant hill. All the big strong engines turned down the job. It was too hard for them. But the little engine would give it a try.

Do you remember the little ditty he repeated to himself as he struggled up the huge hill?

“I – think – I – can. …  I – think – I – can. …  I – think – I can.”

And eventually he got to the top and while sailing down the other side he gleefully sang, “I thought I could, I thought I could, I thought I could.”

I realized I’m on the backside of that hill enjoying the fruit of all the struggle and strain pulling my family up that hill. To be honest, when climbing the hill I often didn’t think I could – and I think I was right. But raising my three kids to be godly citizens of His kingdom was something the Lord wanted done. And my hope was in Him. “I think He can.”

Many of you are on that uphill grade right now – and I know some days are really uphill. But let me assure you, as one who has made the climb before and can see what lies ahead, “It’s worth the effort. Every stress and strain and struggle is worth it.”

Don’t give up. Don’t doubt that “He can do this through you.” He is the power pulling the load but He needs you to stand at the helm and cheer your kids (and yourself) on.

“I – think – He – can.   …   I – think – He – can.
I – know – He – can.   …   I – know – He – can.
I – know – He – will.   …   I – know – He – will.”

God is faithful. He will honor your efforts. He will increase your strength.
Remember, He is more concerned about your children than you ever could be.
He has a plan and is at work – often behind the scenes – to bring it about.

Pick yourself up. Keep tugging and pulling, working with your children and trusting God.
Put your hope in Him and He will not disappoint.

And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.   – Philippians 1:6 (NLT)