May. 21, 2007 - Psalm 147:10-11
I read Psalm 147:7-11 this morning. You should really take the time to read this short passage. Here's how it spoke to me:
Our finances (lack of) do not allow the kids to participate in soccer, piano lessons, dance classes, gymnastics, etc. My husband struggles with this more than I do. He feels they are missing out and being "left behind". This past weekend brought it back to his mind once again as we went to the piano recital of our neighbors.
I do not see the necessity of these extra curriculars. First of all, I don't have much desire to have the calendar filled up with obligations to be here and there and everywhere. Secondly, to me they are not necessities. Most certainly, if we had the money I would be signing the kids up for a thing or two. But I realize that God's purpose can be accomplished in our lives even without the extra curriculars, especially since He has not given us access to these "extras".
Psalm 147:10-11 (NIV) "His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man; the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love."
More important to God than skill in sports, excelling in math, accomplished in music, ahead in reading, etc......is that we fear him, hope in him.
My husband may be struggling with feeling these extras or accomplishments are necessary. But these verses make me realize that I'm not filling my time with enough spiritual training in the children. It's what delights the Lord the most and yet I'm falling short. I teach my children about God and prayer and obedience. But if I evaluate my day honestly, I can see that it is a minor part of our daily lives instead of a major part.
Today, I will begin to look for ways to implement spiritual training in every possible opportunity. It's going to become foremost on my mind starting today.
Now, let me also say that Scripture is clear that we are to do everything "decently and in order" (I Cor 14:40) and "to the glory of God" (I Cor 10:31). We should work toward excellence whether it be schoolwork, sports, music, or whatever opportunities that God allows you to participate in. Just don't let spiritual nurturing in your children be anything less than excellent! If spiritual nurturing is taking a back seat to other accomplishments then it is not to God's glory.
By the way, I took piano lessons for 10 years. I can teach Chloe quite a bit and for FREE! I've been teaching Chloe basic soccer skills for FREE. I also asked a neighbor boy to give us some "lessons". How fun! and FREE. A neighbor girl has taught Chloe some simple gymnastics, too. Just need to be resourceful!
Comments
May. 21, 2007 - Me too!
Posted by jenn4him
I so totally agree with you, Jill. We are in a similar plight. I do not see it as a negative. It does cause me to at times grumble, but that is quickly dealt with when I think of all the running around I'd be doing if I did have the money. We have a free children's music ministry at church and it is only $15 a week for the entire family to go to a Christian martial arts program as well. Otherwise we'd not be in those 2 things. Next week we sign up for the library's summer reading program. This morning we happened to be there when they were reading some nice books aloud. And I also down-loaded a free ebook about missionaries today at The Homeschool estore! I feel rich today! Oh and I am now off of the topic. I think I miss talking to you! Anyway, you are right. And to focus on the things that God values is key!
Jenn
May. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by 2peter318
Thank you for the reminder. I can always up the time I work on those things. :)
JoAnn
May. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by MOMflippedisWOW
Very inspiring. Yes, I've been spending alot of time recently, reading my Bible and thinking such thoughts. Awesome post!
Blessings,
Vicki
May. 21, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by kaysmarmey
You are completely correct here. Families today spend too much time going to do things that are unnecessary. I always say, the first part of HOMEschool is HOME! Those other things are just extras. Also, our children will gravitate toward their interests as they age and we can be specific about what they do when they are old enough to make some wise choices.
Melissa
May. 22, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by eclecticeducation
A wonderful post! My son use to be in a lot of the extras but we had to scale back big time. His special needs caused him to melt down and not be able to handle it. Everytime he came home from a special event, he would melt. I started realizing we were too busy. I also realized that almost everything I signed him up for this year fell though. I really believe it was God saying "slow down". I hope we can be in more next year, but I'm going to strive for balance. Unfortunately what I would really like to put my son in, year long art lessons and piano lessons, is also out of our reach finacially. I guess I will have to continue to wait upon the Lord. If my children need them, they will eventually get them.
May. 23, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by foxvalleyfamily
That was a great post!
My oldest DD takes piano, (our pastor's mother teaches at a VERY reasonable rate - I almost feel guilty paying her so little!) but my other kids are not involved in anything.
I would like the kids to take swimming lessons, but even those are outrageously expensive!
I think there is SO much emphasis to get kids involved with sports, and both my DH and I agree that participation in sports robs us of precious family time together...(and you are 'dead-on' that it takes away from time for spiritual training, too!)
Blessings,
Michelle W.
