School Lessons

There are some children in my house with a strong aversion to a particular school subject. Any guesses which one (which subject, not which child)? If you answered math, you would be right. At times, the subject seems to have come to life, taken aim, and launched a personal attack. The results aren't pretty and we often have to take a step back and ask, "What just happened here?" Usually, the spiral downward would have been avoided if the pupil had sought help at the onset of the attack, rather than waiting until utter frustration and defeat had settled in.

"Amy, that is good advice; how are you applying it in the school subjects of life that stretch you?" 
"Lord, can't we just talk about them for now? You know, do as I say, not as I do?"

Often, I approach my tasks like the begrudging student who wants to just get it over with. Forgetting that every "subject" is part of the learning process, I grunt, try to push through, and bypass the Parent beside me offering His help. The Father who knows how it needs to be done. He loves me, He's eager, yet He waits. He foresees that I will quickly come to the end of myself. I will walk out of the schoolroom (or kitchen or laundry room or...), tired, troubled, frazzled, and declare, "This is too hard!"

Once I am willing to take my eyes off the subject that seems to have a life of it's own, call out to my Father, and listen to His instruction, I will be reminded. This school of life really isn't about getting through it; it's about learning through the process as I remain in His presence and reflect on His glory.

"But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God;" Psalm 73:16-17

I must take the classes, His way or mine. At times, the subjects will be hard and seem more than I can handle or understand. Choosing to walk with Christ doesn't mean life is without struggle; but, Jesus does promise the good portion will not be taken away from those who choose it (Luke 10:42).

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:26