“Sometimes…I have made the building process more costly than God ever intended it to be. Like other homeschooling mothers who live under the fear of not doing enough, I expected more of myself than God did. Consequently, I set unrealistic goals and higher standards for my children than God required. It shouldn’t be surprising then that I burned out trying to pay the cost God never required. I burned out, not because God was asking more of me than I could do, but because I was asking more of me than I could do. As a wiser woman now, I know that God’s goal for me is that I build a good house, not the best one. After all, if I become spiritually exhausted because I try to build more than God expects of me, then I soon won’t be building at all.”
Sally Clarkson, Seasons of a Mother’s Heart, p. 89
Counting 1,000 Gifts…
#740 For the wisdom of Sally for writing this quote, and the thought of Jolanthe to share it here.
#740 Art on the sidewalk.
#741 Movies that move my mommy heart.
#742 Hearing sisters laugh together.
#743 Stopping to play at the park.
#744 The freedom to encourage my little one to go “up” the slide.
#745 Learning their love language.
#746 Coffee with another mom who encourages me.
#747 My 11 year old hiding God’s Word in her heart and advancing to State Bible Drill!
#748 My husband playing Clue with my girls on a Saturday night. Knowing this type of investment is priceless.
#749 A good house is really good enough.
I have not had the privilege to homeschool my children, but have so much respect and admiration for those who get to. Love the quote. And your list of gifts is beautiful!
I think comparison can come in any place in our lives – it doesn’t have to be home schooling, it can be our homes, or our mothering…whatever. What spoke to me was that we often believe that we have to be “The Best” and in the process kill ourselves trying!
I’m so glad you stopped by today Barbie! Have a great Monday!
great list, and GREAT QUOTE!
grace helps me give up building more than God requires me to. i use to be so exalted being bigger and better for God (really myself). i’m learning to just live the days he’s so generously given. that is my offering of worship to him.
Denise that is a great reminder! I’m studying grace this year…God had you write that just for me! Thank you so much for encouraging me today.
I am getting SO much out of that book. It’s definitely going to be one that I will pull out because there is so much to mull over!!! 🙂
Truly, truly, your post of this quote encouraged my heart! And then today, after posting this, God has tested me on it ALL day long. Don’t you love that? Thanks for breathing encouragement Jolanthe! I find at the end of the school year I am like a dry well, and I need it even more than ever!
Thank you for coming by Stacy. I home schooled my grand daughters. I let go of the “academic” mindset and taught them about life and God. They really became brilliant in spite of all my shortcomings and they have very happy memories of their childhood.
I love the whole concept of 1000 gifts!
PS I love your photography! Do you have any tips for me? I am an aspiring photographer!
Thanks Tay! This one I actually snapped with my phone! One thing that makes ok pictures better is editing. I have started using Picnik which is free and allows you to improve and crop pictures! My husband is the real photographer, I use my phone or my point and shoot digital camera!
Thank you Jamie! Love that we can relate to each other! I think I’m going to re-read this post every day this week to remind me of this great truth!