Joyful Heart

On Sunday mornings, we have been doing a verse by verse study through the book of Matthew.  We recently came to a section (chapters 24-25) in which our pastor has titled ‘The End is Near’.  This was the topic at our small group one evening as well.  One question that I am still pondering from that evening is, ‘What would you do differently if you truly believed that the end was near?’

My first response was ‘Nothing.’  I am already home with our children, keeping them close, and training them.  I am already working with the children to hide God’s Word in their hearts.  I’m not trying to say that I have it all together and am doing things perfectly – I know that I am not!  However, I would need to continue to prepare food, wash dishes, and tend to the daily physical needs of our family.    I couldn’t stop being a mom and being faithful in the role and tasks He has given me to do.   What more could I do?

Then, another mom mentioned that she wouldn’t teach American history because it wouldn’t matter.  Now, that may sound strange, but that one small statement is something that struck me.   Right then and there, it hit me – the tension, the burden, the feeling of being bound each day to the academics…

If Christ were to return in a month (which, yes, I know the Bible specifically states no one will know the day or time of His return) or the doctors were to tell me that I had only one month to live (which, no, I am feeling quite well  and this is not the case mom), the academics would, without guilt, quickly and easily be set aside. Oh, the freedom!  There would be no more concern over how fluently my children read, whether they had all of their math facts solidly memorized, whether they could spell words correctly, nor any concern regarding whether they could form a well thought out and grammatically correct paragraph.

So, where would my focus lie?  I would like to think my focus would turn more toward worshipping Christ as a family through praise, thanksgiving, and song.  I would hope that we would be delving deep into His Word, fervently praying together, encouraging each other to stand strong in the Truth of His Word, and seeking ways to actively serve others.  I think we would gain a renewed sense of urgency to share the Gospel –our hope in Christ with others.  Even with a baby, toddler, and preschooler in tow, I think we would make a much more concerted effort to step out in faith.

(As a side note, if the situation was knowing that just I would die soon, I would seek out more one on one time with each of my children, play more games, sing and laugh more, and take time to write letters to them in order to encourage them to continue their walk of faith and to trust fully in our sovereign God.)

Although we accomplish a very small fraction of this while currently homeschooling, it is not at the forefront.  Sadly, the academics take precedence.  For example, if we are running behind or pressed for time, what is the first part of our day to be squeezed out?  Answer: our Bible reading and memorization time.  Another example is when our small group has a service project.  I often think what a great opportunity it would be to serve as a family.  Shortly after though, almost within the next breath, I experience difficulty figuring out the logistics and get frustrated.  I think ‘How do we make this work with a baby and his needs?’ (instead of just strapping him to my back and saying ‘Let’s go!’.)

How, as a homeschooling mom of young children, can I strike a balance between instilling a spiritual watchfulness and a life of faith in action with meeting the expectations for raising children who are more than competent to be an integral part of society, to work, and to lead the next generation?   There is a responsibility to educate our children to the standards and expectations of the society that we live in – to be in the world.  However, there is also a need to train them in our Lord’s ways – to not be of the world and focused solely on things in this present age.  There is a definite tension.  I have felt it for quite some time, but I couldn’t pinpoint what it was until now.

I don’t have any answers….still praying and pondering…

So, what would you do differently in the day to day if you truly believed Christ’s return was eminent?   How does this affect what you do now, specifically in regards to your family and homeschooling?

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.  (1 Peter 4:7-11)