Every school year I seem to do the same. I prep for next year...this year.
(I know I'm odd.)
When everyone else is burnt-out-done, I find myself energized about what's to come. As we sift through our remnants from the year, organize into storage binders that which somewhat quantifies how we've spent our time (I'm not totally buying this, btw), and consider all we've accomplished, I'm way ahead of myself and thinking about what all I'd hope to accomplish next!
What might a new year bring???
The thing is, I've always been the type to function best with inspiration. It's the artist in me, I suppose. The reality for me is that if there's a bee in my bonnet, it WILL get done and that's how I tend to feel at the end of the year. Bee in bonnet, wrapping up what's behind...it seems to fuel reflections on what we'd like to do differently next year, what we'd like to do the same. And so, it makes intuitive sense to go with it and gear up for next year...this year.
That's where I've been this past month...reflection mode...homeschool on front burners.
This is where the "school" stuff goes in our home. We use boxes to store our concrete paper-pencil work and then file it all into an end of the year binder for each school-aged child as a memoir to be saved. The truth of the matter is, however, that most of what we deem education isn't in that binder. Most of the learning that took place can't fit into that box. Most of what we've gained has eternal implications and cannot be assessed by things like tests and grades and reports and such.
Hence, our annual reevaluation process is heightened and underway. Where is the Lord leading? How is He prompting?
And, most importantly, what is the best way that we can aim to glorify Him through educating our children at home?
Hence, our annual reevaluation process is heightened and underway. Where is the Lord leading? How is He prompting?
And, most importantly, what is the best way that we can aim to glorify Him through educating our children at home?
We're pondering these questions with intuition on high alert lately. Holy Spirit, be our Guide!
"Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4
Psalm 37:4 is our theme verse for the coming year as we continue to delight ourselves in the Lord, trusting that He will lead the desires of our hearts into alignment with His. As we seek to lead our children the best we can into relationship with their heavenly Father while setting them up for the unique missions He has chosen for each of them individually,
we are sensitive to the voice of the Lord. We only want to be in His will.
we are sensitive to the voice of the Lord. We only want to be in His will.
And so, as we reevaluate and pray, we're sensing some changes on the horizon, praise the Lord!
We love to see how God grows us and transforms us over time as we surrender to His molding process.
It can be uncomfortable (change), but when God confirms His will there is peace amidst the discomfort,
the kind of peace that transcends our understanding when we know the changes are of Him.
We love to see how God grows us and transforms us over time as we surrender to His molding process.
It can be uncomfortable (change), but when God confirms His will there is peace amidst the discomfort,
the kind of peace that transcends our understanding when we know the changes are of Him.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6
It's been a thoughtful day today, and all week really, as we've buttoned up loose ends, considered and reconsidered our educational goals for our family and how we'll set out to achieve them. Contemplating what's been done and what's to come, 2014-2015 books ordered and on the way, I'm getting more and more excited and expectant already for next year...this year.
It's been a thoughtful day today, and all week really, as we've buttoned up loose ends, considered and reconsidered our educational goals for our family and how we'll set out to achieve them. Contemplating what's been done and what's to come, 2014-2015 books ordered and on the way, I'm getting more and more excited and expectant already for next year...this year.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7