As I’m researching, praying, and pondering curriculum/scheduling for next school year, I came across notes from a homeschool moms’ support group meeting earlier this year. This was helpful and encouraging to me. Maybe it will be for you, too, so I’m sharing… (along with my own thoughts/commentary).
The first sin was NOT in the garden with Adam and Eve, but was when Satan said, “I will be like the Most High.” He wanted to run his own life. When we try to be in control of our own lives, we are acting like Satan. Ouch! It’s still way too easy to try to take back control; I guess that’s our part of our nature. But relinquishing self-control can only be done supernaturally.
The homeschool journey is a battle for the hearts of our children. It is about eternity; it is NOT about checking boxes. Are we more concerned with measuring up to the state’s standards, or God’s standards? Will calculus matter in light of eternity? Will advanced reading skills get anyone into heaven? We must realize that although we may have certain goals for our kids, God may have something different in mind for them — and if He does, it will be better than anything we can dream up. In Isaiah 55:8-9, God tell us this:
“‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways.’
[This is] the LORD’s declaration.‘For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.'”
We must identify key areas of our lives where we are still trying to maintain control.
Such as…
- Our Marriage
- Our Reputation
- Our School Year
- Our Future
- A Certain Child (& his/her challenges)
Pray about it, and let the Lord show you if you are battling Him for control of these or any other areas in your heart and your life. Once these areas are identified, then we must surrender them to God and place them under HIS control. Remember, God is the author, perfecter, and finisher of our lives — but thankfully He is also the author, perfecter, and finisher of our children and their lives!
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” — Hebrews 12:2
Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and personal trainer. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
Thank you for this. i needed to read it today.
.-= Erin´s last blog ..A Year Ago =-.
Good stuff! What is it about spring that makes me panic thinking I’m not doing enough? I needed to be reminded that God is the author and finisher of my children.
.-= Melinda´s last blog ..Gourmet Grilled Cheese?! =-.
Thank you for that encouragement! I think before we ever start planning anything, we should fully submit our desires for our lives to His desires.
Being the willful person that I often am, I don’t think I can be reminded of this too many times!
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Word-Filled Wednesday-Nest Treasure =-.
This is very encouraging. Hebrews 12:1-4 are some of my favorite verses too!
.-= Tina´s last blog ..Weekly Check -Up =-.
This is an interesting subject for one such as I who tends to one or the other extreme ends of the spectrum, full control or none at all… it is easy for me to give up all control, and yet then I am at risk of not planning/acting responsibility. If I take up control of some areas, I put myself at risk of hoarding those to myself. Ah. A balance of letting God be God in my life and listening to His voice in the decision making, and then being faithful. This is my life 🙂 The lesson perpetually being… Read more »