What are we going to do with our time today? Most of us have some sort of plan so that we are not wasting time. I have found that in between and all around my plan are those unexpected teachable moments. And, because I have learned that these are the most important moments of my day, I stop the plan and seize the moment.
As parents who have been God-ordained for these children, we have the ability, and the unction from God to press into them the very nature of Who God is and the command from God to reveal His glory to them. This often happens in the teachable moments that may or may not be on our plan.
Don’t let “the plan” of the day rob you or distract you from your highest purpose of revealing God to your children. Those inconvenient moments could be the most eternally rewarding. The children are curious, therefore open to receiving your counsel and ultimately God’s counsel and purpose for them.
Just as you prepare yourself and your day for your plan, I would suggest preparing yourself for those teachable moments. When our children are young, they are malleable and full of faith. Take your day and those moments captive and purpose to speak of God in all things. For example:
When your child comes to you for breakfast, talk to them of The Bread of Life that will fill them so that their soul will never be hungry.
When your child misbehaves, take him to the cross of Christ and talk about the love and forgiveness of God and what that cost looks like.
When you are outside or on a field trip, remind them of the brilliance and creativity of God in the things He created. Talk about the gift of our minds and eyes as we are able to take and in understand what we see.
When you are helping your child with math or language, talk about the God of order and understanding.
When you are sitting on the couch together just cuddling or reading, talk about what you read in your quiet time and reveal your heart for God and God’s heart for them.
Every question they ask, purpose to answer it from a perspective that will lift up the Almighty God and make Him desirable in their eyes.
At bedtime, pray over your child prayers of faith and hope and a future.
As homeschool parents, you have time on your side. You can fill it with the praises of your God. You can fulfill Deuteronomy 6:4-7 as you walk through your day and teach your children to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength.
Let the important teachable moment overrule the urgent plan. Children don’t wait, but grow before our eyes and our time with them is gone all too soon. What are you planning to teach them today?
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17
~Deborah
dwuehler@theoldschoolhouse.com
