Lessons in Giving and Receiving Grace
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of Grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need. – Hebrews 4:16
Grace is a gift that is freely given; freely it must be received….
That we may be those who pour upon one another the mercy He has given to us.
Grace is a byproduct that comes with the act of receiving mercy. Grace is unmerited favor of God. As a homeschooling mom of three, I have learned that grace is also a journey, and this journey is not for the faint at heart. Each day is a new lesson in my walk on that narrow, sometimes winding, road. I have learned to see that truth is not just based on my perception of reality but my conscious revelation of the person of Jesus Christ. Truth is a person who has given us grace to be real, freedom to live in mercy, and the ability to be victorious. The race that is set before us is already won, yet we have to walk towards the goal of the finish line with resilient hope which believes in an expected end.
Oftentimes, in my early years of home educating my children, I would ask people how they came to this place of home education. This is certainly not an easy road to walk, to be honest; it is not a welcome road to walk. We are defying our culture as we stay home with our children. We are throwing back in to the face of the world’s idea of success the concept that a woman would stay home with her children and teach them. Many people would answer that question with a common answer, “ I am taking one day at a time. One year at a time.” Scripture reminds us not to borrow trouble in thinking about tomorrow as today has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34) Yet what troubled me most was that I saw this as a lifestyle and wondered if I was missing some inherent truth. The fact of the matter is that it wasn’t that they answered wrong or I assumed this mission was less than a year. I wanted to hear that people wanted to see this through, that it was worth it and it was possible to finish the journey!
Our ability to be authentic in our goals provides the background for a solid connectivity in our lives. When we set our hearts on His plan and His purpose, we keep our eyes focused on what is important. Taking one step at a time is necessary because if we look at how far we have to go it is overwhelming. However, we must have a goal. We do need to think about the future as we plan and we do need to consider that there will be lists we must check off.
We can come to these lessons with grace, both giving and receiving. We can look at each moment as another chapter in our journey to the Promised Land. If you don’t have a philosophy of education, get one. If you don’t have a plan, search it out. If you don’t have a support system, look for it. If nothing else, fall to your knees in prayer.
The years of homeschooling my children have been some of the most elated and celebratory moments of my life. I have come to appreciate the value of education and realized the freedom we have been given in choice. Those who have walked before me have paved the way for me to walk a smoother and kinder road. It is only right I follow in that model. It has been surreal to see my children learning as I learn with them the varying aspects of the history of this created world and the connection between math and philosophy, literature and politics, science and art, music and history. The line of integration weaving a path from subject to subject back to the Creator is infused in everything we study and still I marvel that He has faith in me to see this through.
This journey has been the hardest of my life. The most humbling of moments have come through lessons we learned while teaching our children. If nothing else, it has caused me to bow deeper, pray harder and believe further in the awesome omniscient King of Glory. To see His purpose revealed in the heart of a child reflecting in the promise of a better hope through His sacrifice. This is my mission field. My children are worth the time and so are yours.
Devote your days to seeking truth, to dividing the words rightly, and laying everything up against the Word of God that you may be found lacking no good thing. Embrace the grace of the lessons this road has as a homeschooling parent and return back through your sacrifice the joy of what you have learned.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised) Cast not away therefore your confidence which has great recompense of reward. Hebrews (10:22,23,35)
He has a plan for you that is better than you can imagine. Draw near to the author and finisher of your faith, with hearts ready to receive grace. The blessings will flow in your homeschool endeavors and you will shine like a light which is set upon a hill, a beacon which calls out to those who are seeking. Be intentional and purposeful as you educate your children. Mostly, be one who is full of grace both giving and receiving.
(Continue to Questions to Ponder)
