Wednesday, February 16, 2011

He Will Enable

Being a mom is hard.

Being a homeschooling mom is really hard.

Being a homeschooling mom with chronic health issues is extremely hard.

When my health is not so great, when I get discouraged with the ups and downs, I often wonder how in the world my kids ever learn anything!  But somehow, they do! I'm thankful that my older two work independently in most subjects now. But still, some things are skipped more often then I'd like. Sometimes it ends up taking two years to get through one year of history. But they are learning. And more importantly, they are gaining godly fruit and character, despite my limitations!

When my health is inconsistent, I also miss out on other activities and things I'd like to do. It's easy to start feeling sorry for myself when I can't do as much as "normal" people do in a day; or I can't commit to something as simple as a weekly Bible study. I don't make as many plans as I used to, because I never know if I'll be able to follow through.

But one thing God has shown me in more than one way the past couple months is this:

He enables me to do what He calls me to do.

What has God called me to do right now, at this point in my life? Be a wife, a mom, and homeschool my boys. That's all!  Those are my God-given priorities. That's where I need to pour my energy, little as it may be on some days.

All those other things don't matter. I can't be frustrated with God when He doesn't supply energy for all the activities I "wish" I could do. That's not what He has promised.

When I feel as though I'm failing at those three roles, if I stand back and re-focus my perspective, I realize that God really IS enabling me to do those things which He has called me to do.  Maybe not in my ideal way, but it's enough! I just need to keep my focus on Him and His promises, not on me and my limitations.

5 comments:

Mom said...

Thanx for making me cry, Chris. You are SO blessed, and especially for understanding your limitations.

This is something that I just posted on Facebook, copying it from Shawn:

John 16:33 -Jesus speaking. "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take Heart! I have overcome the world."

Your posting here just reiterates what Jesus said in the Bible.

Love you,
Mom (& Dad)
XO

Maisy said...

Chris, I just did some reading this morning in II Samuel 5:1-25. One of the verses that struck me was verse 12. "And David realized that the Lord had established him as King over Israel, and that He had exhaulted his kingdom for the sake of His people Israel." I so want to put your name in the place of David. You have been established as WIFE to Rashed, and as MOM over Aaron, Isaac, and Noah. And God has exhaulted you over these people for their sakes. You are amazing! Praise the Lord for seeing your value, and for giving you each day to make life rich for your family.

Sara K. said...

Very insightful, Chris. I'm so glad you shared this -- the sweet things God has shown you about how He provides exactly what you need for what He has called you to do, in the midst of your illness. A friend who is dear to my heart is undergoing tests for extreme fatigue and nerve damage (tingling fingers and toes, painful joints, etc.) -- possibly Sjogren's syndrome. Her kids are 4 and 2, and she would like to homeschool too... This would be so encouraging for her to read!!

Chris said...

Aw, thanks you guys for the encouragement and validation! I appreciate it.

Nancy said...

Very wise, but such a hard truth to live out each day.