"The job has been given to me to do.
Therefore, it is a gift.
Therefore, it is a privilege.
Therefore, it is an offering I may make to God.
Therefore, it is to be done gladly, if it is done for Him.
Therefore, it is the route to sanctity.
Here, not somewhere else, I may learn God's way.
In this job, not in some other, God looks for faithfulness.
The discipline of this job is, in fact, the chisel God has chosen
to shape me with–into the image of Christ.
Thank You, Lord, for the work You have assigned me.
I take it as Your gift; I offer it back to You.
With Your help I will do it gladly, faithfully.
I will trust You to make me holy."
-Elisabeth Elliot
We began another school year at home this week. It wasn't the picture perfect first day that I continually hope for with name labels, charts, new everything, and rested spirit, but we started our studies. The LORD directed me to this writing by Elisabeth Elliot on the first day of school. It was so fitting and appropriate for my perspective. With the challenges that come with family, homeschooling and ministry, I truly have sought to see beauty where I am planted. I cannot say I have viewed homeschooling as a gift. Though I have had disheartening moments in just one week, tinges of excitement arise when I view homeschooling as a GIFT. What is God doing in me? What is He doing in the lives of my family members? "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." ~Psalm 138:8