Camping Out

Cool night, at last!  It is dry and clear and crispy-chilly tonight.  My sweet husband is Super-Dad... willing to set up the tent and the bags and the fun for three delighted kids.  David's first night to camp out in the yard.  I hear them out of my open window.  Giggles and "Oooooh!s."  Non-stop chatter and happiness.  Dad hushing and singing lullabies to calm them down... The girls are now fast asleep, but David is just too excited about this new adventure.  Lord, let us never tire of his wonder.  Let him never lose his heart of delight over the new and even over the familiar.  Thank You, Lord, for our three precious treasures, these wonderful gifts of love from Your heart to our family.

Keeping them near

Why do I homeschool?  To keep them near.  I remember the days before God gifted us with children.  I remember how I prayed and asked the Lord for them.  I was not asking that He give them to me so that I might then entrust them to others.  I want to teach them to read.  I want to hear them pretend.  I want to provide the discipline that will shape the way that they go.  I want to be intimately aware of their strengths and weaknesses... spiritual, academic, emotional, physical.  I want to be around them and KNOW them.  My precious babies are on loan to me for only two short decades.  Lord, please finish what You have started in calling me to teach them at home.  Help me to do well by them and see them through to the point of flying away. 

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,

The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,

So are the children of one's youth.

How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;

They will not be ashamed

When they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Psalm 127:3-5

Finding their hearts

The abundant rain has left its mark all around us.  Yesterday, we let David splash and play in muddy puddles.  His little jeans were soaked through, and flecks of mud were spattered even to his face. What delight and abandon as he marched in the water, a tiny explorer learning about his Creator's wondrous world.

As I reflect on the joy of my little guy, I realize that I need to let my children discover more, get dirtier, make purposeful messes, and follow more of their natural curiosity.  I want to know their hearts.  I want to find out who God has made them to be.  I pray that I will not fail them as I try to shape and direct them for God's glory.  I pray that I will discern every unique quality of my children and help each to grow to full maturity.