Nov. 4, 2006
Figuring This Out
Well, I am finally getting my "footing" back as far as being home and homeschooling are concerned. I am finding that some very simple things help me to keep things manageable and stay focused and fullfilled.
By doing school first and letting housework be a latter priority(instead of trying to get the house perfect first); and getting up early, my day was %100 better. Just having a moment or two to myself in the morning helped get the day started so much better. Then, the best of my energies were spent with my children and we all had a lot of fun.
So, step by step!! Lead me Lord!
(1 Comments)
(Post A
Comment!)
(Permanent Link)
May. 18, 2006
God's glory, not mine
Well, here I am at almost 35 and I think I am just now getting a grasp on what my life is supposed to be about. It has taken so many twists and turns throughout the course of my 34 ½ years that it has taken me a while to become settled and focused on what it is that I believe God has called me to.
I never thought, growing up, that being a mother was something worth all of my time. And, even now, I believe that being a mother is only a part of who I am. But, it is a major part, indeed. Outside of being a child of God and wife, it is mostly who I am when my children are small. And, I can see how it could remain mostly who I am even after my children leave home and I have more time for others as well.
I am beginning to see things from a whole new perspective- that has taken years to evolve and finally, take shape.
Being a homemaker is the best description that I can think of for my life. And, one that I have avoided! But, I believe that it encompasses and focuses on those things that are of greatest value and that make my life of greatest value.
Especially in a day and age when the home is given such a last priority- the ministry that can come from and flow out of the home has become my priority and is where my heart belongs.
I have come to understand that God can do so much more with me and any gifts or talents I may have when I put them into biblical perspective and keep my focus on serving my family and others at the center of all that I do.
What a paradigm shift! I had become addicted to the paycheck and immediate gratification of approval from a job well done by counseling, or whatever other endeavor I took on during the formative years of my life. And, in formative years, I am referring to throughout college years and beyond. I learned how good it felt to do something well and receive a good grade, a pat on the back, a paycheck. I had also come to believe that unless I used my abilities in certain ways- I was not being a responsible steward to what God had given me the ability to do.
What I have had to relearn, is that God has indeed, given me certain abilities. But, as I in the heart of service fulfill my role as wife, mother, homemaker, friend and others, I may not get any kind of pat on the back- especially if I dont take on any extra official titles. But, there is so much to do and those arenas that I serve in (from changing a diaper, fixing a meal, training my children in the Lord, sending an encouraging card, making home a refuge, keeping things balanced so that we are enjoying life and relationships and not just jumping from one activity to the next) are most needed and take all of my time and use every one of my gifts and impact others more than anything else I could do.
But, it takes me laying down my fleshly desire for personal ambition. There is no seeking to glorify me when I am seeking to glorify the Lord. And my prize truly is, in Him.
