Comfort in Consistency

Consistency. It’s something I think about a lot. Am I being consistent in my relationships? Working hard at my job? With exercise? Managing my time? So many parts of our lives will only reap benefits when we do them consistently. If I don’t consistently reach out to friends or family, it’s more difficult to have a close relationship. If I am often double-booking myself or not following through on commitments, others will know that I am unreliable. I don’t just expect and pursue consistency in myself, but I desire it from others. And this didn’t start when I became an adult - it started early. Though they probably couldn’t quite verbalize it, the students at Reading Circle desire consistency, too.

When I first met Par* in the Spring of this year, she was extremely reserved. I would see glimpses of her silly personality as she interacted with her older sister, but as we talked and read together, she remained serious and even a little apprehensive. With Par, consistency was key; however, that consistency was not just me showing up on Tuesdays - it was the consistency and kindness of the Lord, paving the way for trust and a relationship to grow.

I knew I couldn’t just show up expecting a close relationship to happen - I had to ask the Lord for help. So week after week, as we spent time together reading, memorizing Bible verses, doing math, and talking about school and her life, the Lord answered my prayers. He answered them specifically, and many times quickly. It built my faith so much to see those prayers answered, to know that he hears and cares for those prayers and this relationship. And through it all, slowly but surely, Par opened up and allowed me to see and experience her true personality.

The Par I read with now is so different - she is animated and joyful and very deep for an 8 year old! She speaks more confidently, interacts with other students more, and shares more about her life. One of our favorite things to do together is Bible verse memorization. For the past few months, we have been working together to come up with motions for her Bible verses. I used to help a lot with the motions, but over time she has really taken ownership over this process. Seeing the motions she relates to the Word of God has been such an interesting and sweet way to learn how she is experiencing and interpreting the scripture, and has been a great jumping off point for us to talk about the Lord. Par’s family attends church, and I am hoping and praying that through her experience at church and in Reading Circle, that she will have a solid foundation to pursue a relationship with the Lord for her entire life.

The consistency of the Lord in growing my relationship with Par reminds me of the Christmas story. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of God’s unchanging character. Throughout Scripture, His kindness, faithfulness, and love shine brightly. In the birth of Jesus, we see these qualities on full display—God's deep care for humanity, His presence in the midst of our struggles, and His commitment to fulfilling promises. From the humble manger to the angels’ announcement, every part of the Christmas story reveals a God who is consistent in His love and steadfast in His purpose.

Even when life feels uncertain - whether that’s waiting for restoration in a relationship, waiting for the Lord to provide a job, or even waiting for a quieter kid to open up to you - we can trust that God's nature remains the same. The Christmas story is a powerful reminder that His kindness is not a distant hope, but a present reality. As we reflect on the nativity, let’s take comfort in knowing that the God who was faithful to send His Son is the same God who walks with us today.

Written by: Natalie Matous
Edited by: Emily Thompson

*Student's name has been changed to protect privacy.