Be Still...

After spending a busy week at VBS last week, I was left wondering how other moms do it - stay "on the go" all the time. My house was a wreck, meals were only partially planned, bedtimes and naptimes were all over the map! It was hectic, to say the least. I've seen a bumper sticker that says "Why is it called HOMEschooling when we're never at HOME?" as a joke to how involved and busy homeschool families can be. Now, I do see a place for some "extracurricular" activities - but for our family, they are best when we are very selective and the activities add obvious value to our learning and character. Helping someone, for the majority, almost always trumps "school" because loving our neighbor is the most important witness we have, especially if we are able to do so as a family. But things like various groups, co-ops, classes, athletics, etc. are few and far between here. There is more peace in our home when we are actually in it, together, the majority of the time.

I recently came across a blog post at A Wise Woman Builds Her Home, called "Cultivating the Rich Christian Home", and there were several quotes from it that really stuck out to me, and say how I feel about staying at home, better than I can:

The rich full life that can consist only in a Christian home is available to me and everyone else with Christ as its center. As a Christian home we should be the role models to this perishing world and NOT imitate it. The world fills its time with empty pursuits and busyness to fill the void that only Christ can fill. Our homes should be the model of the beauty, rest and joy which radiates from our Saviour!!!! What is your home radiating today? Believe me, it matters to Christ.

A haven for the weary, a hospital for those in need of nursing. Open arms to those without family. A place of comfort, blessing and peace. Every need is met here, whether it be a meal, a smile, or a prayer. A place that reflects Christs heart. A warm loving environment that cannot be found anywhere else. A place people are drawn to knowing their souls will be refreshed. Does this sound like our homes? Can we create this type of environment while we are on the go? God has shown me all the ministry that can be poured out of my own home and that it can be overflowing!

And our children. Tell me at this very moment who has the HEART of your children? Is it their peers, the television, nintendo? Or, parent, do you have that sacred treasure? Turn your hearts to them and reap the blessings of this unworthy gift~the heart of a child. Can we obtain their hearts if we are rushing hither and tither to
every moms group, sporting event and pot-luck? It wouldn't leave us much time at all especially if we had to manage, keep a house and care for our husbands.

...

A rich home is what we desire. Hearts turned to one another. Family members being the best of friends and peace, love and joy flourishing in the face of the world outside its doors. Children being raised in the fear and the admonition of our glorious Father. You can't do that on the run.

I love it when I find blog posts that say what my heart believes but my words can't express as beautifully!

And, this might be a controversial thought... but I would say the same applies to various ministries. Are we "so involved" in our church lives or ministries that our home lives are suffering? Believing that we are furthering the cause of Christ, when the very causes He has blessed us with primarily, our husband and children, go neglected? A great resource on this is a CD by Beverly Bradley at Family Ministries, called "Keeper at Home" - she gives her testimony about how she "came home" from being very active in several outside ministries (all while being a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom), and how much her family has been changed and blessed because of it. One reason I appreciate our church so much is because while it does offer some quality ministries, it is not "programs-driven" and believes that members' priorities are to first develop a personal relationship with the Lord, then to minister to their families, and then the church, fellowship, and community.

Let's always remember that as women, the Lord has given us some very clear and very important priorities in serving Him - our husbands, children, and home - first and foremost. We can't take care of any of these effectively if we're just too busy, distracted, or not there! Let us continue to keep the Lord's priorities ahead of whatever our flesh or the world might feel is more important.