Nov. 3, 2007 - Keeping My Eyes on the Prize
Well, I met this morning with some fellow homeschool moms for breakfast......what a refreshing and encouraging time we had! One of the ladies (who has much wisdom to share) gave a short devotional in which she encouraged us to step back and see the big picture. In other words, to keep our eyes on the prize and persevere! Homeschooling is hard work!! A blessing, to be sure, but also very hard work! Sometimes we get so focused on the small day to day things and the problems and we forget to look at the big picture. The details are important, yes, but what are we trying to achieve? And how are we handling the many little irritants throughout the day? Are we mirroring Christ? Are we impatient? Are we gentle with our responses or carrying the hurts and responding in an unkind manner to our children?
Just yesterday, there was conflict with one of my teens. I carried that frustration all day and realized with conviction that evening that I was sinning! I needed to extend that child grace and forgiveness and move beyond the hurt and anger I felt. We talked this morning about how "love covers over a multitude of sins" 1 Peter. Oh, the truth of that! And the funny thing is, my kids and I talked about that verse this very week........of course, it was ME reminding THEM to be loving to each other. I needed the reminder that I should let my love for them cover over the multitude of their sins. The Lord knows that their mother (me!) is FAR from perfect, and I need to remember that my kids are sinners saved by grace just like me.
I thank the Lord for godly moms that encourage, inspire and gently come alongside me in this homeschool journey!
