As September draws to a close, I am reminded that not only is there a designated time and season for summer to end and autumn to arrive, but also appointed seasons in our lives.
I’m in one such season– the years I spend homeschooling. We have a short, fleeting window in which to launch our children. I am challenged to wonder if I am indeed spending my days in pursuit of what is worthy and excellent? As a busy homeschooling mom, in the midst of the daily grind, I have asked this question. Although the work may seem “worthy” I want to make sure it is of eternal consequence.
Is memorizing a map of the world of eternal consequence? What about memorizing history sentences and grammar charts? Some might argue these are not. But, God reminded me to look to HIM for the justification and purpose of what I do, not what others think or say. He also wants me to trust Him. We do not know that which the Lord has planned for our young ones, but this is the good work He has provided for them to do right now—the good work of learning— learning about His created world through the order and beauty of mathematics, through the intricacies of spoken and written language, through the complexities of science and creation, and through the vastness of this earth and its diverse people and places. He is working all of this toward some greater good and purpose that is beyond our imagination. What we are doing is good and of eternal value. We may not see the results of it all right now, but it will yield its fruit in the proper season. So, I choose to place my trust in what God has brought me during this season: these classes, this community, this curriculum, and to trust Him and His plan, and to know it has a good purpose.
This scripture comes to mind:
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race.11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
As scripture tells us, there is a time and purpose for everything under heaven (verse 1), and this includes our homeschooling lives, this season of learning. It will be beautiful in its own time (verse 11).
These verses are bursting with promise and hope. I don’t know about you, but scriptural promises like these are words I need to rest upon, on a regular basis. This encouraged me and I wanted to share it with you, too.
Blessings on your week!