I spent some time this morning reworking our daily school schedule. The past few weeks (months?) I have slowly drifted farther and farther away from the discipline of a schedule. The fact is that we don't get as much done when I don't keep us on some semblance of a daily routine. I need the 'plan' to guide me and to give me the comfort of knowing that we really could fit everything in if all went perfectly! Lately I've felt like I've struggled every day to just keep up instead of proactively leading and guiding the kids through the day. I hate that feeling.
After I re-copied the new schedule, I sat down by the glow of the Christmas tree and enjoyed the satisfaction of 'getting control' of our school days. I grabbed my Bible, but before I even opened it, a verse popped into my mind.
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.
That's right, Lord! Even if our school days were fairy-tale-perfect, YOU are the one who is in charge of how the children grow and mature!
I am so thankful that the Lord brought this precious reminder to me this morning. I must be faithful to walk daily in obedience to my Father, but I can rest peacefully knowing that He is the one who is sovereign and who is working (Romans 8:28) and 'building' the lives and hearts of my children. I tend to get so bogged down with a nagging feeling that I am going to 'ruin' my kids by not doing everything that's best--or worse, by doing things that are wrong for them. Whatever imperfect education they receive and no matter how many times they see their mother sin (countless!), these children are not really mine and Kevin's at all. They belong to their Heavenly Father, who loves them infinitely more than I ever could.
Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.I know this topic is a recurring theme here on my blog, but fear and worry about this area are things I struggle with pretty regularly. Is it just me?
Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stand guard in vain.
Sons are a heritage from the Lord, children a reward from Him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one's youth.
Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies at the gate.
Psalm 127:1, 3-5
5 comments:
I found you through a friend, but I also recently regrouped and determined to get our school schedule back under control. Your reminder from Psalm 127 is very timely for me--I, too, worry that I am going to mess up my children. Be of good cheer, I think you're normal!
Wonderfully encouraging! Thank you for the reminder that I need to not feel worry so much about "Mommy-guilt"! The Lord is in control of it all!
You are wise to institute a routine-that always cuts down on my worry and fear, because it eliminates the need to "reinvent the wheel" every day with your activities, which I find exhausting. However, I can cling to the schedule for comfort and lack flexibility and creativity, also. It's a good thing the Lord is in control. Also, at this time of year when there are so many extra things to do, I struggle more than usual with worry and fear. Watch over us, dear Lord.
-Dana
You love your kids with a perfect (complete) love. The Bible says that perfect love cast out fear, because fear has a sense of torment. (1 John 4:18) 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God did not give you a spirit of fear, but one of love, power and a sound mind. The doubts and fears and concerns you have are not from the Lord. Dont allow false guilt to come upon you. You do what God has called and equipt you to do, and you and your kids will turn out as He has planned.
You most certainly are NOT the only one struggling with this. Even as a mom who doesn't homeschool, I wrestle with how to best work our days to include everything I want to include. Being close friends with (& a sister to) other homeschoolers, I can assure you that they all struggle with having things work out "just right". In fact, I plan to email this particular entry to them! (so if you have any strangers show up on here, I may be the culprit!)
Love ya girl!
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