Monday is back-to-school for us. It's been quite the journey to find and figure out what school would look like this year. Many plans were made only to later come crumbling down. The classes that were once available in Spanish are now only available in accelerated English. The homeschool module offered in another school was not being offered to us. I had resigned myself to the dreadful return to virtual classes once again because time was ticking. We have now settled on a fairly new initiative that is a hybrid of virtual, in-person, and homeschool. It feels more hopeful than a full-on virtual schedule and with more flexibility in scheduling. The kids just want to know if there will be a snack bar open in between studies.
For one who loves to plan, the constant derailing of the plans takes a big toll on me. I am grateful that God is never derailed but sometimes I wish He'd give me a rough outline so I wouldn't be so thrown off. I started a study with the kids about the Fruit of the Spirit. There's nothing like trying to teach kids about love, joy, peace, patience... to show you exactly how much you lack love, joy, peace, patience... in your own life. Am I right? There was one point where we were sitting on the floor and I was talking about joy, and B was just all over the place- jumping on me, throwing toys, etc. and I lost it. Yelled. Absolute lack of any hint of joy on my face. <sigh> How can I teach them when I am so blatantly failing? I'm not sure. But we are learning together. We are recognizing together our brokenness and need for a Savior. We are struggling together to figure out how to bring these truths deep into our hearts.
Psalm 126:3 "The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy."
This is the verse we memorized as we talked about joy. A reminder I needed, to reflect on what the Lord has done for me. A reminder that despite hardships, we can be filled with joy because God has done (and continues to do) great things for me. It feels like it's been a long time since I've felt "filled with joy". My joy has felt more fleeting and many times non-existent. Perhaps because I've been reflecting more on what I have done or not done instead of on what God has done.
May you remember what God has done for you and may you be filled with His joy.
2 comments:
Rachel!!!
This is Claire… you’re old pal from Schnecksville:) I have just happened upon your blog again and thoroughly enjoyed catching up with how your life is going there!! So Amazing! Keep powering on for Jesus! And I’m feeling the homeschool struggle - I have all 4 of my kiddos home this year -1st, 5th, 6th and 9th grades… we’ve just begun and I’m already needing so much grace!! Loved your story of teaching your kiddos of the fruits of the Spirit as you struggle to hold on to your joy. I get that 110%. I know the blessing is there though, and God will honor our efforts to train our kiddos in the way they need to go! I pray rich blessings and fruitfulness upon your families ministry in Ecuador!
Hi Claire! Great to hear from you. I will be praying for you in the homeschool department. It definitely has its ups and downs! Blessings!
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