Posted in Biblical Thoughts
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I just finished reading "Homeschooling with a Meek and Quiet Spirit by Teri Maxwell. This book had some provoking issues that became instilled within my spirit. Have you ever had a book take root in your life (of course in addition to the Inspired Word of God!) and convict you of areas in your life that you are falling short in? When I read the Bible sometimes it isn't as spelled out for me, as when I read it in the context of someone else's walk. My “vision” has certainly changed over these past 13 years of marriage. I cannot even recall a purposeful set pattern during those early years, especially our beginning years that were extremely rough. As time moved on, God changed our hearts, and children were added to our home and then as the homeschooling movement began to form, so did a new vision, one that God formed from all the things I mentioned above. God is still molding me into His image each day of my life. The hardest issue that I've struggled with is dying to self and the hard work that being a mother, wife and keeper of the home entails. Teri describes this as the "no free rides" syndrome. If we kick back and ignore everything for one or two days, it still will meet us face on when we resume, coupled with even more! Each day I struggle with wanting time to myself. Being a mother and wife is a 24/7 days a week job. Little children require constant quantities of time. We may not have that time to just "sit back and relax." Add in homeschooling and I have to ask myself, "Am I willing to give up myself, for a selfless investment in the future of my children?" Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. If I follow the Lord's will for my life, it helps me to be mindful of His desire for my life and to not become resentful towards my workload. Viewing my life as a servant, entrusted with my children for only a short period of time, in which to train them and build them up for their walk with the Lord has also helped. Deuteronomy 6: 6 - 9 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. Teri stresses that we need to feel honored and priviledged that God chose US to be parents and spouses. It's an extension of God's love for us and a physical way of demonstrating it. Instead of complaining that I have to get "apple juice" one more time today, I can feel blessed that I have been given that opportunity in the first place! What if God hadn't chosen me to be my children's parent, but rather someone else? I should feel blessed at each and every interruption during the day! May I encourage you today to take up your cross for Christ and follow His will for your life, even if it includes 10 trips to the fridge for apple juice, dirty diapers to change, snotty noses to wipe and trying to get that math problem drilled into your daughter's brain again for the 3rd time. Take your eyes off of yourself for a moment and focus on the Lord and obediently serving your family!
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