Plowing Energy Into Fields That Bear Eternal Fruit
Three Women in a Landscape by Daniel Ridgway Knight (oil on canvas, 1881)
Intentional living, meaningful contact, and the pursuit of contentment amidst the homeschool slump
It has been one of the best kick offs to Spring that we’ve had in a long time here in our little alcove of southern California. The climate has been so pleasant.
My boys foray themselves in the expanse of the grass, like little dots in the spread.
I have been balancing myself with some variety this season. It’s not as luxurious as it sounds, but I have been intentional about the main things in life that level me out during the homeschool slump: a book to read, a few play-dates with the children, a couple of hours of conversation with one of my dearest friends over tea.
It is meaningful to find that my life doesn’t just consist of staying home, as there are other things that add value, that bestow significance to my week. I am content and grateful for what God provides in my life. I come home joyful and fulfilled after a ride on my bike, or after a run in the park. I am full. My cup overfloweth. I smell the flowers.
The days are best when I take a moment to purposefully enjoy the many things God shows me in a day’s time. A call from a friend, a passage of scripture, a blog post, or a sweet time with some families during a hike in the canyons of Monrovia.
I’ve been deliberate about giving my children some sound direction. This is partly due to the discouraging wall we’ve hit as a family as of late. But we are sure of God’s word and He is the great equalizer. We can only remember that Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard (Proverbs 13:15).
We want to guide our children in the ways of purity and wisdom. My sweet little Bluebird is learning to say “No” with such indignation and her sweet spirit begins to flutter when she is corrected. But she is still the little diamond in the rough, as my husband calls her, and she is precious in the sight of our Abba Father. What a blessing to be stewards of three lovely children who will one day punch a hole in the dark! This is our unceasing prayer.
My little bluebird sits quietly on a park bench, enjoying Papi’s company after a long day at work.
All this to say that I celebrate my time in those areas of value rather than plow my energy into fields that don’t bear fruit of eternal measure. As I consider our troubles, I realize they are beyond our control. They take up space in my mind. But God has given me the strength to press on in my daily life. This means more writing, more photography, more playing, more stories, and more relational contact. I’ve even decided to take up sewing. I’ve been inspired by Shannon at Thoughts and Thimbles and by my mother-in-law who made such beautiful dresses for my bluebird recently. I was gifted a sewing machine in the mail for my birthday a few weeks ago and I am eager to create some clothing for my children. I am not sure how these attempts will turn out since I know it is quite a feat for me to take on a new pursuit. I don’t usually write about what is brewing in my tea-kettle, since I don’t want to burn anyone, and especially since I need to let it all percolate, and simmer, for the tasteful joy comes when its ready.
My mother-in-law layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff (Proverbs 31:19).
We’ve been visiting my aunt, a widow for several years. We spend time together, usually over lunch at her place, if not at ours, and the children are always excited to get out of the house. If the boys are with my husband, I take my little Bluebird with me to visit her, and other relatives as well. My husband calls this band of ladies the Joy Luck Club. We have a fun time, my daughter and I, with my mother, and my two aunties. It is a blessing to see them delighted and I really walk away from this joyful every time.
I know the God who keeps us, preserves us, and saves us. My God keeps His covenant with His people. This is the God Who I serve and knowing this truth with certainty affirms that there is nothing in this world that is as secure. Nothing else can keep me. No one else keeps me joyful and content. ❧
Originally published on 4-10-2014.
❧ AT THE TABLE SOCRATICS ❧
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Defining the Core Idea: What simple, everyday activities does the author list that help her find balance and joy during the spring homeschool slump?
Identifying the Contrast: How does the author contrast "fields that don't bear fruit" with investing her energy into things of eternal measure?
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Analyzing the Argument: Why does the author view her daily struggles as "beyond her control," and how does turning toward creative skills and relationships help her press forward?
Finding the Cause: What caused the author to feel inspired to take up sewing, and how does she connect this craft to Proverbs 31 and her family lineage?
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Evaluating the Thesis: The author states that her ultimate goal as a parent is to raise children who will "punch a hole in the dark." How does this proactive vision of discipleship compare to a purely defensive or protective view of Christian parenting?
Synthesizing & Applying: In a culture that often measures productivity through visible, immediate success, how can mothers and home educators cultivate the discipline of letting ideas "percolate and simmer" while trusting God for long-term spiritual fruit?