Run With Endurance

This is an article that came today from The Homeschool Encourager

( homeschoolencourager.com ).  It is timely for me, and I thought it might be for others, also.  Hope you enjoy it, and it ministers to you.

"…Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us"  (Heb 12:1-2 NKJV)

 

Well, most of us have crossed the finish line of another year.  Many of you, I'm sure, are graduating sons and daughters as well.  What an accomplishment—for them…and for you! 

Maybe you haven't thought if it this way, but every homeschooling family is in a race.  Not a race of speed, ability or performance—simply a race of endurance.  Yes, performance matters, and there is a pace we strive to follow; but homeschool winners are not determined by these things.  Winners are those who reach their finish line and "receive the prize" of God's pleasure and the personal satisfaction of knowing we made it.

The homeschool race is not a competition! There are no gold medals for quickness or agility.  Our race is not about personal strength or natural ability.  Thank goodness!  Many of us would feel disqualified if that were the case.  No, God chooses even the "weak" things of the world to "shame the strong" and to show His glory through us. 

Each family faces challenges and struggles during the homeschool journey. Some are educating disabled children or those with learning disabilities; some are single parents; many are military families dealing with frequent moves and the challenges that go along with that lifestyle, while others live on the mission field. 

In other words, we all start at different places.  Not only that, we have a finish line all our own!  The end result God has for you and your family—the goals and purposes for your homeschool—are not like any other family.  And when you get there, you won't look like any other family.  You won't look like a magazine cover, or sound like the perfect homeschool seminar.  Your children will have become who God created them to be—ready and willing to fulfill His purposes.

Your celebration parties will be as different as my two boys' graduations.  One was a formal catered dinner and reception, complete with speeches and special guests.  The other was a backyard Fiesta, with a piñata, homemade Mexican food, and overflowing with special moments and music. Both as important and meaningful in their own way—as yours will be.

There are points in the race, when all a runner can think about is crossing the finish line; when it's hard…when it's no fun…when you hit the wall.  That's when you need to imagine, a God-designed, beautifully decorated banner with your family's name on it, complete with streamers and balloons poised for your grand finale—that moment when you cross the finish and the crowd goes wild!  I count myself as a member of that crowd and I'm cheering you on today!  Regardless of where you are in the race, you can finish well. Keep running!

 Prayer: We praise You for this year and all that went on—help me remember the special moments that made it worthwhile. Give me the vision and endurance I need to reach the finish line You have set for us. Thank You in advance for all You will accomplish in my family and in each of my children through  homeschooling—amen!

Sue Brage * The Homeschool Encourager * 9585 Deer Horn Court #33 *  Parker, CO