For the first time in nearly two decades, the school year is beginning and I am not purchasing curriculum, planning out lessons or navigating the schedule of the coming months for my boys’ education.
Completing a long journey is bittersweet. After years of prayerfully homeschooling our sons, I am now left with loads of memories and more reasons to pray.
Tending my soul in Habakkuk, the Lord reminded me that after the word from the Lord, Habakkuk knew even better the character of God and how to pray. He knew that even though hardship and judgement was headed their way, that “in the midst” of it all, God would hear and answer prayer.
In the midst of nearly two decades of homeschooling, raising, discipling these boys into men, God heard and answered prayers with much grace, mercy and abundance. After these years of walking this long road of obedience to God, I am so grateful to better know the character of God and to have grown in relationship with Him through His Word.
A friend typed these words to me this morning, “life has been an ongoing mix of joy and sorrow…a true endurance race taking us to places of highest highs and lowest lows. God has been comforting and faithful every step of the way.”
Oh isn’t that so life? A cocktail of highest highs and lowest lows. An endurance race for us to run over the long haul. “Not that I have already attained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ has made me His own,” Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians. Maybe he too was feeling a bit reflective, nostalgic even.
Whether in homeschooling, or marriage, or parenting or anything that requires a long obedience in one direction, there will always be the mix of high highs and low lows; but maybe the secret to pressing on is found in remembering the character of God and in tending our soul by His Word.
These seasons of life blow in like the autumn breezes and shift with each passing year, but our God remains.
His Word endures, and “in the midst” of it all, He revives, He reveals and He remembers His mercy on His people.
We need only press in and seek Him.
Tending tip: If you find yourself in a season of change or even in the very midst of the enduring season, consider praying a simple verse back to the Lord for the mercy you are needing, borrowing the words of Habakkuk 3:2: “Lord, in the midst of (name your season) would You revive Your mercy? In the midst of this season reveal Your mercy to me? Remember Your mercy. For my good and Your glory. Amen.” He hears and He answers.
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I so love “Tending my soul in Habukkuk…” words as I continued to read the rest of this beautiful post. I love the Prophets and will write out Habukkuk 3:2 for my “tending my soul” time! Thank you for encouraging me as you are encouraged. I am in another season of change in that I moving from East Texas to western Colorado in just a few weeks to be near family. I will be praying this with you.
Long distance moves are certainly bittersweet seasons too. Thank you for your prayers and I am so grateful to have served you with these words. May God continue to tend your soul with the stability of His Word as you move. Praying for you in this transition. XO
Love this thought, there will always be a mix of highs and lows. That is just a part of life. Sometimes it takes us awhile to figure that out. But when we do, it can change us and our perspective.
Mariel, Your piece was nostalgic for me. I remember so many sweet times of homeschooling. And yes, some rough ones. Today is his first day of college. So much of life is bittersweet.
That is precious as he starts college today, Theresa! Praying for your mama heart! My youngest started college today too. What a bittersweet gift to see them step into their next chapter that you have prepared them for! 🙂
I always enjoy your words of wisdom. Looking forward to September & “Tending Philippians.” I truly need the tending study.
Thank you, sweet Karen! I’m excited to start our September tending group too ❤
I remember that first year without kids in the house to begin school with. After so many years of homeschooling, it feels strange to no longer do it. But the Lord does bring new joys and new purpose to fill in the gaps. The empty nest has been a delightful season in itself.