The back-to-school-in-the-kitchen conversation with God (i.e. FREAK OUT to God)
Okay, God, now you’ve really done something to me. You’ve compelled me to become a teacher to my own children. Do you remember how I fought with them last year over their homework? And now you want me to do this ALL DAY LONG?
Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith in me produces perseverance. (James 1:1-2)
But we’re back to school at the kitchen table, and I’m freaking out! I can’t be responsible for my kids’ reading, writing, math, science, history, music, PE, drama, socializing, and personal responsibilities ALL DAY LONG! For who-knows-how-long?
I just can’t. You should know this about me. You’ve watched my parenting.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Romans 8:28)
Okay, that’s just mean, making this a spiritual decision, when obviously, I was not trained as a teacher.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. (James 1:5-8)
Teaching is…well, if I wanted to become a teacher, I would have.
Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:11-12)
I guess I can set an example for them. I’m trying to do that all the time anyway. I can read and write. I know more than my kids do. I guess that’s something.
For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. (Genesis 18:19)
Yes, okay. For some reason, you chose me to parent these kids. You chose me to be the most important influencer in their lives, to be the voice of their conscience, to be the guide and protector of their hearts. But I’m overwhelmed at that already, and now I’m adding SCHOOL to the pressures…
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame… (Psalm 127:4-5)
I am not ashamed. You will not shame me or be disappointed in me. You love me. Wow!
I can do this. I can teach them anything because the most important lessons I will teach are character: working hard, failing and trying again, having a good attitude, being honest. Teaching school is just parenting around topics of education.
He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. (Colossians 1:28-29)
Lord, put people in my path to help me. May I reach out to the body of Christ for support and instruction. Keep me from pride and perfectionism. I don’t have to be the perfect teacher. How much better to let you perfect me in holiness and love, so I can model that for my children.
And thank you for the Internet.
Amen.
