PrincipledMom™

Continuing my theme of shepherding under the care of the Good Shepherd in my home education, I want to discuss a challenging topic, especially in today's Amercian society.

...I lay down my life for the sheep... (Jn. 10:15)

 It is not an easy thing to do. The shepherd of Jesus' day would lay down in front of the gate to the sheep pen and make sure nothing got in to harm his sheep.  His audience would know how literal that statement was.

A shepherd is not a part-time occupation. You are on-guard for your helpless sheep 24/7. You must put all other things aside as you check them daily for parasites, disease and skin ailments. You make sure they have the best food and water.

And as I am occupied with checking to see that what they are exposed to is good for them, they will flourish. I take the time to check them over, inspecting them daily for growth and for problems so I can deal with them quickly. When sheep are infected, it can infect the others quickly, and so it is with siblings. When one is injured in heart, I take hasty steps to assure their full recovery. I make sure there are no attacks from the enemy and no pests making it difficult for them to rest and learn at the feet of the Good Shepherd.

As a home educating mom, I must also may my life down. I must put aside things I would like to do. I must postpone things I am interested in, sometimes to the point of aggravation. My heart must be turned toward my children. 

If I am training them up in the way they should go, that takes my life. It's all day, every day (Deut. 6:4-9). It is a lifestyle of discipleship. It's a constant denial of my flesh and my agenda. It's putting my sheep ahead of my own wants. And that has been a painful but necessary (and completely fulfilling) endeavor. If God truly has called you to home educate your children, are you really missing out on anything? Does He ever call us to something and then withhold blessing, contentment or joy? Certainly not. I encourage you to completely surrender to the Lord for this season. Lay your life down for your little lambs and see if God will not richly reward you more than you could ask or think.

That's not to say I never get time to do things I like to do. But it is in balance. My children should never see me neglecting their needs to fulfil my desires. Nor do I just give and give until I am exhausted and empty. I seek the Lord daily for strength, direction and grace. I seek Him for what I am to do and what I am to teach. He fills my cup to overflowing  (Ps. 23:5) so that I have something to offer my little lambs.

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