Friday, 13 August 2010

A Cure for Grumbling?

I'm late for my in between post - oops!   Summer is winding down, school is just around the corner and my children cannot wait!  As we head into a new year of homeschooling I am wondering how things will work this year.  I will have 3 in school this year (kindergarten and grades 1 & 3) and 2 younger ones who will have to be occupied while we are having school.  The first day of school is always so exciting yet I know that after a couple weeks the newness will wear off and the grumbling will begin!  I am considering having a theme verse for school this year -

Phil 2:14  "Do all things without complaining and disputing."

The trick is, how do you translate the memory verse into a living verse?  That is, how do the children learn to live the verse, not just remember it?  I suppose one very important way is for me to live it before them!  I confess that I am often guilty of grumbling when things are not going according to my plan.  I need to realize in that moment that God may have other plans and I should not be complaining!
"Do it, and do not find fault with it. Mind your work, and do not quarrel with it.’’ God’s commands were given to be obeyed, not to be disputed. This greatly adorns our profession, and shows we serve a good Master, whose service is freedom and whose work is its own reward."  Henry, Matthew. "Commentary on Philippians 2." . Blue Letter Bible. 1 Mar 1996. 2010. 13 Aug 2010

I'd love to hear some of your ideas to ward off grumbling, leave a comment with your thoughts!

3 comments:

Hazel said...

What a thoughtful and thought-provoking post, Julie. It can be so easy to slip into grumbling mode, especially when things seem to be against us. I find that praise is a good antidote. In Hebrews 13:15 the writer talks about a 'sacrifice of praise' - it's easy to praise when things are going well, but when we feel like grumbling, it's not - there is an article here that helps on this subject - it's an extract from R T Kendall's book: 'Just say thanks'. Perhaps a quick fire session of praise/thanks at school will help dispel the grumbling. x

Unknown said...

Thanks Hazel! I will definitely check that out! And you're right - praise is the perfect antidote! :)

Heather D. ~ Fresh Brewed Designs said...

I can not even begin to describe how this post has touched me. I am feeling the EXACT Same way about our year of homeschooling. I will have a 1st and 3rd grader ... and mine are ALREADY grumbling. This is such a wonderful thought provoking heart provoking post. God never wanted us to live in the "mully grubs" and mumbling about everything, but to do everything in love. To honor him and praise him in all things. I have done ALOT better when it comes to my attitude, now to get the kids to do the same :D Thank you for this post. I just read Hazel and Julies posts and will check out Hazels article as well.
May God bless you and your kids as you start a new year of homeschooling.

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