Our school year begins officially today. We’ve been phasing in, doing bits and pieces over the last two weeks. But today is the day.
initiate deep breathing exercises now. long. deep. breaths.
As I prepared curriculum, and thought and prayed. and prayed some more… I realized that I am not enough to teach my children. Every year, as we launch into the sea of learning and books and memory work, I come to terms with this understanding. Its not a new concept- I just regularly need the refresher course. And this year, just like each one before, He graciously answered my prayers with words from Scripture.
I could recount all of the way these verses are true from last year’s events. Emily’s math. Isaac’s reading and printing. It seems like small stuff, I know. But, as I teach my children, I need His mercy and understanding so that I communicate with the right words, buffered with lovingkindness. What He offers me on this education journey is more than enough life and sustenance. Truly it is plenty for all who hunger and thirst for Him. There is knowledge and wisdom that only He can impart – and He ministers joy and peace along the way. I may not understand everything necessary for my children’s education, and our road may take unexpected twists and turns this year. But, that is okay. His way is perfect.
A few of my favorite portions from Isaiah 55:
1Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
2 Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
3 Give ear and come to me;
listen, that you may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.
4 See, I have made him a witness to the peoples,
a ruler and commander of the peoples.
5 Surely you will summon nations you know not,
and nations you do not know will come running to you,
because of the Lord your God,
the Holy One of Israel,
for he has endowed you with splendor.”
6 Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.******************
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.************************
12 You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.***********************
daily portion 