Ragan's House

GETTING BACK ON TRACK

You would think that after 16 years of homeschooling my kids, I would have this all figured out. But still, it is a struggle. Trying to return to the normal routine after the kids have had weeks of late nights, too much tv, too much junk food, too few responsibilities. I have tried different ways of easing back into the groove. This year it went like this.

Me: (waking kids a half hour later than usual) "Time to get up and get dressed. We are going out for breakfast to celebrate!" (We never go out to breakfast)

Kids: "I don't want to go to breakfast." "Why didn't you tell us last night."

"I don't like that restaurant." "Do we have to."

Not one thank you. Not one excited cheer. I was met with enough grumbling and complaining to rob the joy from any good-intentioned momma. Enough to bring that same grumbling and complaining to the surface of my soul. To make me want to throw up my hands and give up the fight. Yet God whispers. Keep going. Don't give in. I will be your strength!

We made it through an imperfect breakfast, managed to stop at the library, and accomplish the goals I had for the day. God showed me that cultivating a thankful heart in my kids (and myself) is something we should work on in the next few months.

Digging into Ian's school, I find that we are studying the Tabernacle this week and we set to work making a model. Along the way, we talk about how the Israelites didn't have direct access to God, but had the curtain separating them from the Most Holy Place. Only the high priest could enter into God's presence once a year.

Tabernacle in progress, including a tiny Ark of the Covenant

I am so thankful that the curtain was torn in two, and that now we can go directly to our Father. He has given us access through Christ. He wants to hear from his children. Apart from our salvation, that is probably one of his best gifts to us. Intimacy with our Creator that He initiates. In fact, He pursues us with His whole being. That leaves me speechless.

THAT is the love of God for us.

If you are curious about the curriculum we use, it is MY FATHER'S WORLD: Creation to the Greeks https://www.mfwbooks.com/products/10/Creation-to-the-Greeks/#Overview