(originally written February 26, 2010)
Its that time of year. Every year, for the past four years, around this time I’ve begun planning. I am a planner after all. As a home school mom I look forward to it. Its time to think about the coming academic year.
I’m glad that I’m not afraid, or bored or stumped. I love getting ready. I can become completely absorbed in surfing the web, reading reviews of books and curriculum. I like to be “in the know” about what is up and coming. I’ve really been getting into planning what would be the very best thing for my daughter to do in the fall for third grade. Pulling everything together is like a huge art project – is the perspective balanced? Do I have all the shades and hues just right? Is it proportional? (I never was too good at art myself…)
Emily is interested in a lot of things. She likes art, she enjoys science and history. Her drawing skills really surprise me. In her understanding of basic science she takes after her dad ; and that’s far better than mine was at her age. If she could, she would make me read from her favorite history book all day. These are the things she enjoys.
Recently she informed me that she would not like to play soccer this fall, but rather she is interested in archery. She has had brief opportunities shooting a bow and arrow with her grandaddy – and she actually is quite good at it. And she would like to take an art class. Possibly water color. Nervertheless, it is all a bit foreign to me.
More and more as I get to know my daughter, a creation of God himself, I find myself in uncharted territory. At her age I enjoyed things that are almost the complete opposite of what she pursues. Planning an exciting and stimulating school year is challenging, even a bit perplexing.
This spring, as my planning begins, I find myself praying more than last year…
“Lord, Help me! Guide me to the best curriculum for Emily. Please strike me with lightening just in case I’m looking at things I’d like, instead of what would be best for her…” Its a prayer sort of like that.
In the midst of my praying this morning, He spoke to me and reminded me that I can’t plan it. That’s right, I myself, cannot plan the experiences that are best for her. Only He knows what that is. Even if I was the best home schooling mom in the world, (which He told me to stop striving for) I couldn’t accomplish the plans that He has for her.
There is a Scripture verse that I hold on to, that gives me some relief in the planning process. “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
I am so thankful that no matter what I do, He will continue his work in her heart and life. He is her creator and sustainer – for me that means the sweet young girl that my is Emily becoming- she is His creation. His work of art. not mine. And I know it is beautiful.
daily portion 