First Things First
Are you a New Year’s resolution type of person?
With curriculum sales, new activities starting up in the spring, and the probability of a busy push to the end of the school year, I do think there is great value in taking time to look back, evaluate, and pray for the future. The beginning of a new year seems a fitting time, so whether you make a formal list or keep it in the quiet of your own heart, let’s carve out some time to hear how the Lord might want to direct us.
As homeschoolers, January sometimes (not always!) marks the halfway point in our children’s academic studies. We here at CHOH encourage you to think over, pray and discuss with your spouses and your children what’s working and what can be done better in your homeschool day. Routine is good and change is hard, so coming back after a long break is a natural window to make adjustments. Don’t forget to encourage your keiki with the efforts they have put forth, and we’re here to say, “Well done!” to all you parents.
An important area for introspection is our walk with God. A strong and real relationship with the Lord is something we want our children to have, but how is our own? It’s a hard question to ask, and we definitely need the spirit of humility David found when confessing his sins to the Lord in Psalm 51. The best way for us to find the strength and wisdom we need on a daily basis is to feast upon the Word of God everyday. Do we desire it like a deer that pants after water? Can we honestly say our soul thirsts for the living God? (Ps. 42:1-2) If not, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Remember there are schemes being planned in the heavenly realm against you. Someone who wants to keep you distracted just enough that you can’t seem to find the time to read your Bible. With that knowledge, it’s good to have a plan in place. There are many options for reading your Bible, and even if you can’t seem to stick to the Bible-in-a-year plan, the effort will be well worth it. Don’t give up! Press on.
Lastly, do you remember way back when we suggested writing down a family mission statement? Now is a good time to read over that again and scribble down any more thoughts. Are you still on track? Are your family choices aligning with your ideals? My family found ourselves in a pickle of a predicament after making a quick decision regarding extra-curricular activities. We didn’t stop to pray about it, or even discuss it much. We felt the deadline pressing in and we jumped. And have paid the price in money, anxiety, and unrest in our hearts and schedules. Lesson learned the hard way, and our kids learned it right along with us.
Proverbs 16:9 says, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.” How good it is to walk in the steps the Lord has for us.
Happy New Year from CHOH! May the Lord’s blessing be upon you and your families this 2025 year as we seek to know and glorify God more every day.
