(and does it really need to be there?)

I have been planning, plotting, praying, and not feeling any peace about curriculum choices for this fall.

I’ve made the lists for each child, for each grade, for what I think they need to do or experience this coming school year.  I’ve made tentative plans for Monday through Friday for how to fit it all in.  I’ve compared prices.  I’ve even placed some items in my online shopping carts.   Unlike previous years though,

I…just…can’t…seem…to…purchase a single thing.

As I look at the possible weekly plan, consider the changes our family will be facing this fall, and look long and hard into my sweet children’s faces, I am reminded of those words… and that stroller… and of my great need for my strength to be found completely in Him.  I’ve packed up my stroller to overflowing with solid, worthwhile curriculum choices and my arms are loaded with more sound learning materials that I think are beneficial, but do all of those ‘good’ things really need to be there…during this transition season, with so many little ones looking for stability, time, and affection?

Yes, “I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me, “  but am I letting Him determine ‘my everything’ or am I insisting on my own way and adding unnecessary burdens to myself, my children, and our family?

I know that He will provide strength to do the things that He has called me to do.  So, I wait, praying for His Hand to show the way.

Show me your ways, O Lord,
teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
(Psalm 25:4-5)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)