|
|||
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||
    
|
|
 November’s Encouraging Word: Appreciating the Gift of Time by Debbie Strayer Crisp autumn mornings. Colorful afternoon walks in the woods. The approaching holiday season. These are just a few of the blessings of fall. This year I am especially grateful for fall. With my husband’s gracious blessing, I was able to take the time to fly to California, help my 20 year-old synchronized swimming daughter pack up her belongings and start the move back home. We used every nook and cranny in her cute little car and struck out across county, ultimately heading for home in Florida. It was an epic mother-daughter trip to visit family, sightsee, work and visit her fiancé and his family; however, I am getting ahead of myself. First, let me tell you about the beautiful fall we experienced. After carefully mapping out our trip, we headed out from California, across Nevada and into Utah. The coloration of the trees was incredible. Since I am a Floridian, everything amazes me when it comes to fall. I think leaves that are any color other than green or brown are astonishing, so I am easily impressed. As we took turns driving, reading aloud or praying together, I savored the opportunity for such beauty. When my children were young and we were just starting out as home schoolers, someone very wise told me to treasure my time with my children. She said that time would fly. I took her advice to heart and I am now grateful that I did. I often asked the Lord to make me sensitive to His plan for our time together and to keep me aware of the opportunities for snuggling, listening, playing and generally getting to know and enjoy my children. He was always faithful to answer this prayer, and today, my twenty-something children and I are close friends. As we drove from the West, through the mountains and into the plains, Ashley and I marveled at the beauty around us. Trees were stunning and sunsets were glorious. Yet the most amazing part of this trip was right inside the car. Fellowshipping with this amazing young woman who had so much to share was such a gift to me from the Lord. After listening to her stories, hearing her heart and standing with her in prayer, the scenery seemed to be a reflection of the fellowship; mature, openly sharing the beauty of growth and strength and reflective of the healthy change of seasons. God was reminding me of all that He had done and preparing me for the future. Seasons are changing for Ashley and me. One is concluding and another is about to begin. Since she became engaged, we have been preparing for a wedding. Our conversation often runs to things practical, such as what she might need in her kitchen or the colors she likes. It often turns to things spiritual. What are the qualities of a good wife? How do you love and encourage your husband? What are my memories as a young wife? These conversations are precious because I know the foundation was laid for them many years ago. Her heart is open to me now, because the Lord gave me the grace to open my heart to her years ago. Home schooling gave me the opportunity to be real. Our children have seen me on good days, and the days when I prayed for the grace to keep going. They have watched us cope with various needs and rejoice for His abundant provision. My children have learned about the power of obeying God when it is hard, and how humility between family members changes everything. For me, the true beauty of fall is that it shows the glory of God’s design. Growth, fruit and change are all part of His plan. Driving across country reminded me that the timing of the Lord for change and His seasons are perfect. While you home school your children, remember that the time you have is precious. Ask the Lord to give you eyes to see His priorities for your children. The academic side of home schooling is important, though others may share that task with you. Only you can do some things. The most valuable part of what you give to your children as you home school is your heart. Let them know you – your joys, your trials and your dreams. If you will do that, when they are in need of wisdom, they will be able to be themselves before you. The blessing of fall is that after seasons of growth, you can see glorious results. Trees that all seem to look alike distinguish themselves beautifully, and height doesn’t matter as much as the unique placement of colors and types of leaves. Be encouraged to faithfully and sensitively toil with your young plants. Share your heart and encourage those tender sprouts to trust you and trust the Lord. When they have grown stronger, they will follow the example of your heart. Then sit back and enjoy the breathtaking sight of maturity as it comes into view. I know I am. Related Products:  Gaining Confidence to Teach |
||||||||
|
Home |Return
Policy | Contact
Us |
|
© Copyright 2010 Family Eductional Resources, Inc. |
||
 |
||
