Sow in the little years and reap a harvest later on…

Until recently we have resided in the little years. The years of dummies, potty training and cots. Of tantrums, milestones and far too little sleep. Of second guessing ourselves, stressing over minor things and if we’re honest neglecting our own self-care.

Maybe you relate. Maybe you are in the thick of the little years.

For us the little years simultaneously lasted an absolute age, and went by in the blink of an eye.

We had 3 babies in 4 years – when our eldest was 4, we had a 2 year old and a newborn.

What a blessing! But life was a crazy, wonderful blur.

And now we find ourselves in a different stage of parenting.

Our kids are now 9, 6 and 4 and we’ve ditched the dummy, cot and potty.

Our baby isn’t really a baby anymore, she’s a big girl. And wow, doesn’t she like you to know it! She scooters alongside her brothers, has long hair that she can nearly sit on, and has strong opinions which she can and will articulate!

The baby and toddler stages are beautiful in their own way, and there’s a certain grief in leaving them behind (who doesn’t love snuggling a new born and feeling their entire fist grasp your finger) but, these middle years are pretty incredible too.

It’s so fun seeing their personalities develop, to hear their genuinely funny jokes and their insightful observations of the world. To see how the thing you spotted in infancy has grown (ie. the obsession with superheroes) and has been outgrown (snatching the toy in rage). Seeing them try and then master new things – like swimming their first length, finishing their first chapter book or having the courage to invite their friend to kid’s club at church.

The middle years (which we’re going to count as anything after the little years and before the tween years) are years when our children are so receptive to our investment in them. They know us well enough to know that we are for them, that boundaries are put in place for their good and when it boils down to it – that they can trust us.

So here’s a word of encouragement to those who are still in the thick of the little years. All the things that you are doing are making a difference. It may not feel like it – it may feel tempting to give up or to grow disillusioned. But the discipline, words of encouragement, consistency, rhythms and routines that you are putting in place (whether hygiene, spiritual disciplines or expectations for behaviour) will eventually start to bear fruit.

We’re not saying that things will ever be perfect. There will always be sin – both from you and your kids, and that’s why we need the good news of the Gospel to encourage us daily. But please don’t give up, your hard, selfless investment in your kids during these little years will bear fruit in the years to come.

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

So now we’re in these wonderful middle years – and yes there’s still challenges galore. But there’s also an ease compared to those early days. Our kids still run to us to hold our hands, tell us about their day and eagerly show us their work; they still confide in us with their worries, they still want to be cuddled and affirmed and to be seen with us, but there’s no more nappy changes!

So our challenge to you who are in the middle years (and to ourselves) is to stick at it. To keep working hard at this parenting gig, don’t take your foot off the gas now. Instead use these days where are children are so receptive to us parents to engage with them, love them, disciple them and point them to Jesus.

What a privilege, and what an absolute joy.