I know I'm a few weeks late for a New Year post but I've been really challenged by a couple of friends (Alyssa and Marnie) who have chosen a word or phrase as a theme for their coming year. As my constant struggle to keep up with the goals that I set for myself continues, the word that is resounding over and over in my mind is FOCUS. It's a concept I have been toying with for awhile but it became clear that this was the actual word this morning during our homeschool Bible time. We were reviewing and discussing our memory verse for this week:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
I asked Nate to summarize the verse for me and he said "we need to stay FOCUSed on God and living for Him" (sometimes I am in awe of the spiritual understanding that he has, but that's another topic for another day). It was one of those moments that almost felt like a cartoon light bulb and bubble cloud with the word "FOCUS" appeared over my head.
I also recently read a post from a blogger that I follow that resounded with me. It was called Beating the Homeschool "Blahs". The part of the article that really hit home was the last section, "Just. Do. It".
"If you’re reading this and you are a homeschooling parent, then homeschooling is your job. Treat it as such. Plan your school year, get ready for your day, show up on time, and be ready to go. From 8am-3pm (or whatever your hours are) you are a teacher. You’re not a Facebooking-friend calling-email checking-tweeting-errand runner.
I find that about 90% of my lack of motivation is that I’m not prepared. And the thought of the “unknown” just doesn’t sound that appealing. That or I’m just selfishly wanting to do something else more exciting. But I’ve committed to homeschooling our children. And so even when I don’t feel like it. I do it. I’m in charge of our children’s education and discipleship and that’s not something that can be pushed aside because I’m feeling lazy or unmotivated.
Homeschooling is your ministry, your family is your ministry. Fulfill the calling God has given you. Be committed. Be diligent. Even when it’s hard. Even when you don’t feel like it.
“But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” ~2 Timothy 4:5"
Homeschooling is my job. Being a good mother and godly example to my kids is my job. Serving my husband is my job. Keeping myself healthy is my job. These are my FOCUS for this year.
I have a tendency to just coast through life and then get disappointed that things aren't going the way that I want them too. I want this year to be the year that I live intentionally and with FOCUS on the things are important. I've chosen Colossians 3:2-3 to be my theme verse:
Set your minds (FOCUS) on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
