Significant things take effort. They take time. They take intentionality and sacrifice. Meaningful things take hard work. In a world obsessed with efficiency, it’s tempting to give up on things when we do not see immediate results. Maybe in life, “planting in tears” looks like practicing patience with a struggling child (again), praying for a wayward grandchild, showing up for a neighbor, getting the support you need for a difficult relationship, or the endless mundane tasks that fill your days of what it takes to care for your family.
Whatever the “planting in tears” looks like for you, may we not miss the “harvest with shouts of joy.” Only God can take tears and turn them into joy. He doesn’t promise it will be easy (or happen quickly), but He does offer His very presence to accompany you. So, whatever the task and work is in front of you, do it intentionally. Give it your best effort. Don’t give up. Because you don’t know when that harvest with shouts of joy is coming!