Did you think you had some good ideas for school this year, only to find that you never implemented them? Have you ever started something new only to stop discouraged after a few weeks? Do you sometimes think you know where you’re going with your curriculum or philosophy and then soon feel lost? Are you ever tired of the daily routine or just plain tired?

"He leads me…" If we really believe that statement, then we would be following our Shepherd’s leading and not going our own way. I happen to like my own way. But does it bring me rest? Sometimes, but not usually. I often do not allow God to lead me into rest and to restore my harried soul. If He really is leading, then I really should be following. But most often, I am driven toward my own plans and agendas and am full of unrest. We simply cannot rest if we are striving in our own agendas, thoughts, and understanding, especially regarding our homeschooling, and especially, if we are going in the opposite direction of our Leader.

Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."  It’s not that our plans are wrong or bad -- they seem right, but they are not necessarily where our Shepherd would lead.  So, where does He lead?  He leads us to green pastures and still waters. Why would He do that? I mean, there is so much to be done! Because He knows our souls are hungry and thirsty. Because He knows we are like sheep. We are like sheep in the sense that we cannot rest if we are hungry.  Sheep will not lie down unless they are satisfied. We will never be satisfied until we follow His leading and eat what the Shepherd offers.

I can be driven towards accomplishing grand things (or even one full school day), yet lack what I need to make it through. I have wanted for rest and not been able to attain it for the very reason that I am hungry and thirsty and have not been satisfied. I have been too busy with the cares of this life to sit at the Lord’s feet for nourishment. Yet, the very thing I crave is rest for this poured out mother-teacher. I must follow my Shepherd and eat in order to find rest, strength, and satisfaction from hunger. Only then, will my plans succeed. The first chapter of Joshua says we need to meditate on the Word of God day and night, for then our way will be prosperous and we will find success. This is the food that satisfies.

Our children also need to be lead to Jesus so they can get the nourishment they need from Him. We need to lead by example. We can lead our children to Jesus by following His leading ourselves! When you are weary or frustrated let the children see you go to Jesus. They will then know where to go in their time of need. Read the Bible and pray together first thing in your school day – you will be sure to find goodness and mercy following you the rest of your day and all the days of your life.

Prayer:

"Help me follow you, my Shepherd, and not my own understanding. Lead me to You so that I will find rest, relief from hunger, and a restored soul. Open my eyes to see Your goodness and mercy following me each and every day of my life."