I do not have what it takes...

{lovely sunshine warms my heart}

When people hear that I am homeschooling my kids, I get all sorts of interesting comments. But the one that makes me giggle inside more than any other is this: "Wow. I could NEVER do that. I just don't have the (fill in the blank...but usually patience or something like that) to do that!" I have started responding honestly: "Neither do I!!!"

I am not naturally a patient person. I am not super mom. I don't have it all together.  I am not naturally organized, nor do I have an immaculate house. I am weak. And tired. I spend half of the time with my head spinning, uncertain of what to do in situations with my children. And at the end of the day, I'm really a lot like you, actually.

Then HOW can I do this?!? Two words: "I can't!" Apart from God's grace and strength in my life, I am nothing and can do nothing. HE has stirred within me a desire to do this. It must be from Him, because I'd have to be crazy to actually WANT to give up the better part of my adult life to educate my kids! Haha! And you see, I have made a deal with God. As long as He provides everything (every skill, tool, time, opportunity, wisdom, strength, etc), then I'm up for the challenge. I am certain that I most definitely do NOT have what it takes to homeschool my kids. But I am confident that I serve a God who follows through when He calls us to do things. As the famous quote says, "He doesn't call the equipped, but rather, He equips the called!!"

When I rest in the security of who I am and what He has asked me to do...and trust Him to give me everything I need to succeed in that, then I have complete peace! No stress. No questioning. No whining because I don't have what it takes. No looking at others (who have more free time because they send their kids to school) and wishing He hadn't called me to this. Okay...so maybe there are days that I fall prey to that last one! Hehe. I'm human, after all.

But the bottom line is that I don't naturally have what it takes to do this incredibly challenging job. But I do have faith...in the One who is faithful to me. With His strength alone, I will walk into whatever He calls me to. And right now, in this season, it is raising my children and being their teacher...their discipler...their guide. If He ever asks me to be or do anything else, then by His grace, I will listen and follow in obedience! :)