“Let your ‘yes’ be ‘yes,’ and your ‘no’ be ‘no’ (Matthew 5:37).
These wise words of Jesus seem more easily said than done. Too often, we begin a new season full of enthusiasm and hope. Midway through, however, everything feels more complicated. We are tempted to give up the things we were excited to begin. Is there a better way?
Commitments are important. When we follow through on our plans, we model consistency and perseverance to our kids. This is an important homeschool lesson for them to get! Part of the follow-through starts before the start. Developing habits of prayerful planning can help us finish what we begin.
July is a great time to slow down. Maybe you’re doing year-round learning, but for many families, the summer includes lazy beach days, family visits, or just time to chill in the AC and watch a good family movie. While you’re relaxing, do some imagining about the new year to come.
Here in Navarre, we have many learning opportunities. Sports, group tutoring, music, art, co-ops, Bible studies, and more…the list is huge. Of many good things, which ones are best for YOUR family in THIS season?
Make a list of all the possibilities. Don’t hold back. Throw everything onto a page. Set it aside and come back a little later. Cross anything off that doesn’t seem to match your family well. Share the list with your husband or a trusted friend. Pray. Set the list aside again. Come back on a fresh day. Re-evaluate your choices. Has God spoken any wisdom to you in the quiet spaces of your day? Think about how much time you have during your week. Circle your top choices. Pray again!
When the time to commit arrives, only sign up for the activities you feel most positively about. You can always add more next semester. In your heart, deliberately decide to stick with these activities as long as they last or at least through the fall. This is the part where you model to your kids. Even if it’s hard, you have integrity. You are a person others can count on. You do what you say you will do.
God knows we aren’t perfect. We mean to do well, but life gets messy. There is more than enough mercy to cover all of our inconsistencies. He is however pleased when we keep our promises to others.
Prayed-over commitments are easier to keep. This summer, while you relax, ask God for wisdom to plan your fall well. Integrity is one of the best things we can model to our kids.
