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One of my favorite Bible study authors, Elizabeth George, suggests in one of her books playing a what if game. She’s talking about priorities and husbands, illustrating the point,” what if they were gone?” Think about all the things they do, not what we tend to focus on, the things they don’t. It can be enlightening to think about but I had sort of a different “what if” epiphany lately.
What if your life as you know it today was changed? What if God asked you to do something different, something even in some ways challenging to what you believe he’s called you to at home? Where is your will and God’s?
One of my prayers has always been for God’s hearts desire to be my hearts desire (Psalms 37). If we are trusting, dwelling, delighting and committing our ways as that chapter suggests he will give us the desires of our heart (v. 4) but I truly believe that if we do what the preceding verses suggest they will no longer be our desires but our heavenly Fathers.
Well in that vain God has given me my desires. I never wanted to homeschool but it sure has become not only my desire but conviction. I’m not even sure I ever started out wanting to be home as much as I am but now I hate to be pulled away. Homemaking and homeschooling have become a hearts desire.
What if God asked you to do something else? Would you be willing? Could God ask you to do something else?
I think a lot about David Livingston while pondering this question. When we were reading his biography by YWAM I was struck by how he seemingly abandoned his family time and time again. God is pretty clear in his word about father’s training their children and being part of their life yet one of his children died trying to locate him. Now it’s obvious God called him and he did amazing things for God. It’s clear at times he struggled to have his family with him but also felt God’s call where at times they could not go. How did he reconcile this? I don’t know and can’t begin to answer that but it gives thought to my what if dilemma.
So, what if… I’m not ready to be less involved with my kids. I’m not ready to switch curriculums so they need less teacher input. I’m not ready to spend less time on home cooked meals and making my house a home. I’m not ready to give up what I believe is important and a calling for God. But am I willing to?
We live in a world that has bought the idea that you can, “bring home the bacon and fry it up in a pan” so to speak. The world says you can have it all. Yes, you can try and have it all but you will sacrifice something so precious, the world doesn’t tell you that. I’m not sure it even realizes it. I’m not sure it even knows what IT is.
So play the what if. Why? If you’re like me it will make you thankful and feel blessed all over again. It will also make you realize your time could be short so make the most of it. What has God placed on your heart for this time that you haven’t been doing? Could this time be only a season?
There are some days I wish for a house that stays clean because there are not kids home all day messing it up. There are some days I wish for time to myself to finish anything without MANY interruptions. There are some days when I’d like to shower and dress BEFORE the day begins. There are some days I’d like something new instead of making do. There are some days I’d rather go out to dinner and have the mess made there.
But there are many days when I get to witness the “firsts” for my children. There are many days when I get to hear their hearts and heartaches. There are many days when I’m available for unexpected needs. There are many days when I can be there at a moments notice. There are many days when I get to snuggle on the couch (even with teenagers!) There are so many memories and much impact being made.
So be thankful today for today and treasure you time however long or short it may be as the keeper of the hearts and homes.
Gina | 
