This Is It

"If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." Colossians 3:1-3

This week begins my 9th year homeschooling. Well, technically 13th, but we won't get technical.

A few things are happening to make this year particularly challenging. It also feels extremely special. There is a dynamic surrounding this time that I recognize, but haven't fully grasped. Likely, there are several dynamics and they are all circling my fuzzy brain just close enough to notice, but heavy enough to keep me searching.

At any rate, I find myself looking to the Lord more and more for the guidance and wisdom I need this year. I see how He has worked in the past to bring me to this place. I see how He is building on the work He has begun in our family. I see that it was a preparation for what lies ahead. 

I can't help but feel a very heavy burden on me each morning as I rise, considering all the tasks and responsibilities before me. Yet, He is here. You are here, Lord. Your word is alive and speaking of promise, comfort, strength and hope. You lovingly call out the truth that it is for this reason that I have been called by You.

The work You have been doing in me since the moment I met You, now is the time to see the fruit. I know I have much more to learn. I know I need so much more from You. But, in a little house, in a little town, in a not-so-little family, I see You pushing me forward into the life You have prepared for me. This is one of those moments, (and You know I've had them before) where I find myself standing at a huge precipice, overlooking amazing blessings and challenges before me. There is more awaiting me than I can fully embrace, and I cannot move forward without You there beside me. Yet, I am filled with such joy as I consider what You are doing in our lives and all that lies before us. Thank You, Lord. Thank You for the abundance of Your love for me. I am in awe over the work You do in my life.

So, This Is It.

What Has Been Done pushes The Work At Hand forward to embrace All That Awaits.

Savior, like a shepherd lead us,
Much we need Thy tender care;
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us,
For our use They folds prepare:

Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Thou has bought us,
Thine we are;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Thou has bought us,
Thine we are.

We are Thine-do Thou befriend us,
Be the Guardian of our way;
Keep Thy flock, from sin defend us,
Seek us when we go astray:

Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray;
Blessed Jesus, Blesses Jesus,
Hear, O hear us when we pray.

Thou has promised to receive us,
Poor and sinful tho we be;
Thou hast mercy to relieve us,
Grace to cleanse and pow'r to free:

Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Early let us turn to Thee.

Early let us seek They favor,
Early let us do Thy will;
Blessed Lord and only Savior,
With Thy love our bosoms fill:

Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still;
Blessed Jesus, Blessed Jesus,
Thou hast loved us, love us still.

(Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us - William Bradbury, 1816-1868)