Dear Faith Family, 

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith, (Galatians 6:9-10). 

Who knew?!  You can actually move a ton of sand with a shovel!  I know what you’re thinking.  “That’s a bad idea.”  Or “there are other ways to move a ton of sand.”  Or even, “why bother?”  But before you go jumping to conclusions (too late?) hear me out. 

Maybe all I have say is the word, “grandchildren”!  “Oooooh”, some of you may respond.  Let me explain.  My grandchildren are coming in a couple of weeks.  I’ve added a sliding board to the playground in the backyard.  Since the sliding board begins too high off the ground, it became necessary to raise the ground at the base of the slide.  In so doing, the grandchildren can enjoy a slide rather than a freefall! 

Two pickup loads of sand were in order to fill the new “island” at the base of the sliding board.  Two thousand pounds of sand!  One shovel full at a time from the back of the truck to the “island”.  (Of course I’m sore!  Do you really need to ask?!) 

So, what’s the point?  Paul challenges us in Galatians 6 to keep on keeping on.  Don’t stop.  Don’t grow weary.  The shovel looks awfully small next to a ton of sand.  Our doing good on some days can seem almost unrecognizable.  But don’t give up.  Why not? 

Perseverance is encouraged with purpose.  If you ask me just to move some sand around, I might not be so inclined.  If you ask me to build an “island” for my grandchildren, I’ll go get my shovel.  Your well doing reaps a harvest that glorifies your heavenly Father.  We get to honor him with our lives!  Your acts of kindness have purpose.  Persevere. 

One more thought?  Perseverance is helped with an endpoint.  In due season, Paul wrote, comes the harvest.  There is an end point.  There is a final shovelful to this ton of sand.  I promise!  In the meantime, encourage your doing good with His purpose and His end.  Restore sinners.  Bear one another’s burdens.  The time is short.  Persevere. 

Pressing on, 
Pastor Karl