I Quit

Read

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

Think

It started as just another sunny spring day, the sunlight cheerily warming my kitchen counters. But inside, the mood was anything but warm. My usually calm demeanor had frosted over into a wall of ice and anger. That morning, as the pressure and frustration built up, I reached my breaking point.

My patience shattered. My temper flared. And then, quite explosively, I snapped at my three children. “Ugh!!!!! You kids get out here right this minute!” I bellowed from the living room, echoing phrases from my own childhood that I swore I’d never repeat. I had always promised myself I’d be the parent who would explain things gently, not one who yelled. Our family was supposed to be about love and kindness, not unresolved anger.

The trigger for my outburst was a collection of small, everyday annoyances. My youngest had left a minefield of toys in the living room, my middle child had tracked mud through the house, and the kitchen was a disaster zone thanks to my teenage daughter’s baking experiment. In that moment of frustration, I wanted to resign from motherhood without giving two weeks' notice.

However, once I cooled down, I gathered my kids and apologized for my outburst. But we also had a serious talk about responsibility and the chaos their carelessness created. We agreed to all try harder and communicate more kindly in the future. Parenting is a relentless job—every day is filled with teaching, correcting, and nurturing, and then waking up to do it all over again. It's exhausting yet essential work. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Those words, "Do not give up," are a mantra for weary parents.

Now that my children are grown, I can see the fruits of those laborious days. My kids, once experts in creating messes, are now responsible adults who tidy up after themselves. My daughter uses her culinary talents to bless others and manages her own business paperwork efficiently. It's clear that the lessons eventually stick—not instantly, but in due time. So, to all the parents out there feeling overwhelmed: hold on and keep at it. Your efforts in parenthood matter immensely, not just to your children, but in the eyes of God. Keep sowing the seeds of good parenting, for the harvest is truly worth it.

Apply

Make a family responsibility chart or begin a family meeting to develop better communication skills. Discuss who is in charge of what chores; this encourages ownership and accountability. Set a time to review the chart and celebrate successes or adjustments.

Pray

Lord, I am grateful for the joys, challenges, and opportunities to grow that parenting provides. I come to you seeking patience, wisdom, and strength as I guide and nurture my children. Teach me to be slow to anger and rich in compassion. Help us to create a home where everyone contributes, respects one another, and understands the value of hard work. Let our home be a place where your love is evident in every interaction. In Jesus’ name. Amen.