Wednesday

Little Jillian stared angrily up at her mom. She’d  been waiting for what felt like days to leave the  Christmas party. Though she’d promised to “be a  good girl” for the evening and be patient, the adults  seemed nowhere near ready to end the night, and  Jillian was certifiably exasperated. It’s not that  parties aren’t fun; it’s that all of the kids her age had  left already to go to bed. So there she was, stuck  with Mom and Dad at the company Christmas  party, laughter encircling her in a maddening  tornado, willing her parents telepathically to sense  her profound distaste for this situation. 

Patting at her mother’s arm, she whispered  obediently, careful not to interrupt when her mom  was talking. Her mother grabbed Jillian’s minuscule  hand, cupping it affectionately to placate her  daughter. This was an untenable struggle. “Be a  good girl, Jilly,” Mother cooed quietly. It was at this  moment that Jillian’s patience dried up. She erupted  finally, silencing the room of mid-level accountants  and finance advisors: “I’M TIRED OF BEING GOOD!” 

Isn’t that how you feel sometimes? Perhaps it’s  after showing up for a friend who doesn’t seem  to be interested in reciprocating your care. Maybe  it’s volunteering at your church to the detriment  of your sanity. Whatever it is, being “good” can feel  exhausting. I think that reveals a foundational truth  about goodness: that goodness is challenging to  choose consistently. It’s why Jesus, the most good  in human flesh the world has ever seen, lived an  inimitable life.

But Paul encourages us in Galatians. Next time  you feel like you’re ready to give up goodness,  remember his words: “Let us not become weary in  doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a  harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have  opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially  to those who belong to the family of believers.”

• What’s an area in which you’re tired of doing  good? Pray that God will encourage you so you  can continue to do good.