It's time for co-op again!  I have a confession to make about co-op: I was dreading it a little.  I've become a "home-body."  I'd love to just sit at home all day with the kids.  Most days I wish we never had to leave home.  That's not always possible, though.  And I'm not sure how I can be a light in the world if I'm hiding it under my bushel.  No!  I'm gonna let it shine.  

The Lord is teaching me lately that not only does He have a purpose for my life, but I need to be sure that I have a purpose for my life as well.  Oh, I know the basics: wife, mother, Christian, daughter, friend, etc.  But do I have an answer for everything I do?  I tell my kids that they need to always have an answer as to why they are doing what they are doing (1 Peter 3:15).  If they have an answer, then they have already thought out the purpose. 

Am I really living out what I teach them?  I feel often as though I simply do things because that is what I'm supposed to do.  Am I folding laundry because that is what I am supposed to do?  Or is it because I love my family; my family needs clean clothes; my family needs order in our home, etc.?  Sure, all of those things are true, and I can give out those answers easily, but I often lose my focus while I am doing them - perhaps even grumbling and complaining instead. 

Ryrie has a note on Hebrews 2:18 that says that "Christ not only was tempted by trials that befall humans generally but also by those that were designed to sidetrack Him in the purpose of His coming to earth."  Satan wants to sidetrack us from our purpose!  

One of my greatest purposes is to prepare my children so that they can let their little lights shine.  Do I realize that when I'm scolding them for being too loud?  How am I teaching them to know more about God when I am grumpy and undesirable?  Worse, are they truly learning how to let their little lights shine from me when I hide in my house?

Thankfully, my High Priest can sympathize with my weakness (Hebrews 4:15).  He gently reminds me why I go out into the world.  He reminds me that I am teaching my children to go somewhere on time so that others will see Jesus in us.  He shows me that the people with whom we come into contact need encouragement and hope.  He even makes it fun for us sometimes!