Choosing Thankfulness

                                                 

We started a new tradition this month. On September first, I hung up a tree on our wall, and we've been adding leaves to it every day with things that we're thankful for. It's fun to see what the kids want to add- to get a peek into their beautiful minds at the things that are important to them. Our four-year-old has been especially enthusiastic about cutting and coloring her own leaves, and then telling me what to write on each one. We will keep it up till after Thanksgiving. It's been a nice reminder that, even in the midst of all of the uncertainty and turmoil in the world, we still have so much to be thankful for.

As things seem to spiral further out of control, I am so thankful to know Who is ultimately in control of it all. The world is a dark, broken place, full of evil and pain(Revelation 12); but, we can have confidence and peace (though it is human to be fearful), knowing that Jesus has already conquered evil (Hebrews 2:14-18), and when He returns, it will be as a Warrior King and Judge(Revelation 19:11-21). He will bring home those who have trusted Him to save them; and, once evil is destroyed and the world is made new, we will get to rule the new earth as co-heirs to His inheritance (2 Timothy 2:12). What a beautiful gift, not only to know Who is in control, but to know that He desires such intimate fellowship with us. 

There is beauty that comes from the ashes of such devastating times, and usually it involves people searching for help, realizing that the house they've built on the sand for themselves can be washed away in the smallest storm- that they are never quite as in control of things as they like to think they are. I pray for the hearts of those who do not know Christ, and are frantically clinging to this dying world, because it's all they have. I pray that people will find hope in the promise of salvation, and in knowing that there is so much more to come after this.

I still try to control my reality and I fret about the things I'm unable to change. But, when I take a step back and look at the big picture, I am so thankful that I'm not the one who has to keep this crazy world together. This world will be destroyed. Things aren't going to get better. Until Jesus comes back and rids the world of the evil that currently poisons it.

I am thankful to know how the story ends, and I look forward to the world as it is meant to be, ruling with my Lord, forever.

A Note for the Struggling Parent

The more I reflect on what it means to be a parent, the more amazed I am at the privilege, and humbled by the calling. It's not just about two people falling in love and procreating, it's about a sacred responsibility, and an opportunity have a lasting effect on the world for generations to come. How will the world be different because of the influence I have had on my children? Who will they become?

Children are amazing. They have such a capacity to learn and to love. Young children have minds designed to absorb everything they are exposed to- but, not only that- minds that process the information they're given so that it becomes the bedrock of their understanding of how the world works. As they grow up, they try to reconcile the new information with what they already know of the world. Children are not just more expensive "pets" that require more supervision, they are smaller people looking for their place and their purpose in the world.

When I look at my own children, I see mini people who want to be a part of,,, everything. They want to know how things work and why things are the way they are, and they want to help with the things I'm doing- they ALWAYS want to help. Sometimes, it's because they're curious, sometimes it's because they want to spend time with me; but, there's almost always someone helping me do chores, make dinner, etc. That's my secret to getting things done- my kids help me when they want to or they quit and find their own source of entertainment. But, I've found that if I let them participate for a little while they'll become bored and do their own thing, instead of fussing and interfering with my work all day long.

That's not to say that they don't fuss or interfere. Every day I'm reminded that they're little sinners just like me. But, they're also just trying to find their way like the rest of us; and, though it's hard, it's a wonderful, humbling task to be the one who gets to help guide them through the first crucial years of their life. 

I want to encourage the parents who are struggling right now, especially those who have recently decided to homeschool and feel like they're drowning. What you are doing DOES matter. The sacrifices you're making DO make a difference. We don't always get to know what impact our contributions make in the grand scheme of things, but sometimes we can catch a glimpse of the beautiful people our children are growing into. They are the next generation that will someday make the decisions and pull the weight of the labor force for our nation. The values that are taught to them- directly or indirectly- will stay with them for the rest of their lives and will influence the place they take in the world. 

Do your best. Expect to fail. And, when you do, show your children what it means to get up and try again. That may be the most important lesson of all. 

Photo Credit: Peony Photos @Jenna_Sullivan25