For all those planners, perfectionists, and overwhelmed moms out there…
Here’s my little story to provide a dose of encouragement and hope for you!
At the beginning of this summer, I had it all figured out. I had plans to make plans to make more plans. My plans included planning these wonderful, thorough lesson plans that would make the most of our first study of American History (and all the other stuff that we’re planning to study starting this fall). But then:
- My husband’s work schedule changed, leaving him with very few days at home (or even in the same country) this summer. And, really, why take one of the few days he’s home and use it as a planning day instead of spending time with him?
- Our homeschool community needs another tutor, and no one is stepping up to the position. As the main substitute, I’m the first in line for consideration. I feel a bit like Moses right now as I come up with excuses. “PLEASE, LORD, CHOOSE SOMEONE ELSE TO DO THIS!!!”
- The practicum this year has been all about Improving Our Vision – simplifying what we do to focus on God and how all the subjects we study glorify Him.
Overwhelming thoughts cloud my vision:
How can I focus on spending time with my husband and children and still be ready for the school year?
How can I do this without sending my children off to boarding school for the summer? Really?!?
How in the world am I going to pull it all together before August such-and-such?
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it’s the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
We can plan ad infinitum, but we don’t really have any control over what happens. And sometimes God seems to shake things up a bit so that we will simply trust Him:
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6
In reality, I’ve been losing sight of my vision by looking around at all that we’re NOT doing. (Does anyone else do this, or is it just me?!?) I wasn’t looking back upon last year and seeing all the wonderful things we accomplished – regardless of the fact that I did not have much planning time – regardless of the fact that I didn’t get to use all the resources that I had previously collected about the Middle Ages and Renaissance. God was with us through it all despite the fact that I didn’t have it all together then.
I still don’t have it all together now. (Regardless of what you may think, I really am a scatterbrained nut! Just ask my husband!)
But I don’t have to worry about that. Because God is greater than I am. He is MUCH GREATER than I am. And He will carry me through my calling in spite of myself. (Praise God, He works in REAL-TIME!!!)
And so I rest on the promises of God, realizing that our first action is to focus our vision, for:
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. Proverbs 29:18
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:8
I simply need to trust Him with ALL that I am…
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7
…remembering that my husband’s schedule won’t always be like this. My children won’t be at this stage forever. These moments are beautiful, regardless of how shot my plans are. And I can’t let that cloud the fact that these moments are so very precious.
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:1;11
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
…because he knows how strong my desire is to be an excellent wife, mother and teacher. I know that God will supply ALL my needs (spiritual, emotional, physical)…
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
…and will give me wisdom that I didn’t necessarily plan for.
And if the Lord can take a king’s heart and turn it wherever He wants, how much more can God do that for me – AND my children!
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. Proverbs 21:1
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Above all else, we are to remember that God is the center of all of our studies. We learn about the world because it’s His creation. We acquire knowledge as we discover the world around us, and we use that knowledge to minister to others – to share God with others. And God provides wisdom beyond that which we study, as long as His Word is exalted above anything else in our endeavors.
So what about my plans?
I love to plan, so I will when I can.
But we simplify, so we can simply fly, for they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31