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Keeping Focus January 1, 2010 |
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This is one of the first lessons we teach our young children when crossing a street. We would do well to teach it when dealing with life in general. If for no other reason
than as an antidote to our society.
We live in a fast-paced, information-saturated, media-driven culture that is intent on keeping us on edge. Proponents on both sides of the political fence seem to lead by manufacturing fear. This is not to say that our nation does not face legitimate and pressing concerns. But it does leave us in a state of constant agitation, which is not healthy. Romans 14:17 says that instead we should be living in a state of righteousness, peace, and joy. So how do we get there? By following this simple childhood lesson: stop, look, and listen. For most of us, that's easier said than done. Because of the all-encompassing nature of homeschooling, taking that first step is often the hardest. Simply stop and be still. Take a deep, cleansing breath. After the rush of the holidays, it will help to clear your head. Now look. Look around and be thankful for what you have. Look at your children through the Father's eyes. Take stock of where you are at on your yearly lesson plans. If you were not able to sketch out an overall plan for the year before you started, you can still take stock by looking at the table of contents of your curriculum. See how far you've come and what is left to do in the time remaining. Evaluate what is left to do based on your goals for the year. Discern what must be covered and what can be tabled for the time being. Do this even if it means delaying homeschooling again for a couple of days. Another day or two is not that crucial in the grand scheme of things. Now for the most important part. Listen. As a secular philosopher, Socrates only gets it partly right in the quote of the month. Introspection is important, but only when it is done in tandem with our Father and Creator. Let's face it – we all need wisdom that is beyond what we are capable of thinking up ourselves. We need discernment. As Christian homeschoolers, we are operating against the flow. It's easy to get caught up in the circumstances that surround us. That's why we need to listen to the Father to gain His perspective. For most of us, our circumstances tend to dominate our plans. We allow life to overtake us; we let immediate pressures determine what we do next. We find ourselves engulfed in the flow of this earthly kingdom rather than the heavenly kingdom. No wonder we lose our peace and our joy. Do you need a break from this world's constant sense of anxiousness? Then stop, look and listen.
Image Credit: © Lisa F. Young - Fotolia.com |
