Today, I get to read a short biography by one of my favorite authors (John Piper) about one of my historical heroes (William Wilberforce). Then, I get to write questions for high schoolers that will help them see more clearly the depths of the wisdom and glory of God as expressed in the life of Wilberforce (who worked with amazing perseverence to change laws in England so that slaves were first no longer imported and then no longer held at all in England). This man's life was inspirational for his fortitude, but what is even more inspiring is the God Who gave him the heart and soul to effect such great things for humanity. I get to highlight this to high schoolers around the country and even around the world and their moms, as I write that discussion outline as well. Wow. What a job!
But, know what? I haven't seen it this way every day. For many days in recent past, I have not been wondering at the fact that I get to do this, but complaining that I've got to do this. "I've got to go write Week 6," I sigh. "I've got to work late tonight." "I've got to read this or that book for my curriculum writing." Then the "I'd rather be's..." being and flow like water from my mouth. My complaints and self-focused sighs have been voiced for so many days that I can't begin to count them. It pains me to think of how often I've grumbled and complained about my job, which is a gift from Father's hand, perfectly crafted for me, and a privilege to perform by almost any standards. One little letter is all it takes to change me from "get to" to "got to." But in that little change is a world of sin. God takes a potently negative view of those who grumble about His revealed choices for their lives and vocations. Here's a sample:
Numbers 14:28-35 (ESV)
Say to them, 'As I live, declares the Lord, what you have said in my hearing I will do to you: [29] your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness, and of all your number, listed in the census from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against me, [30] not one shall come into the land where I swore that I would make you dwell, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. [31] But your little ones, who you said would become a prey, I will bring in, and they shall know the land that you have rejected. [32] But as for you, your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness. [33] And your children shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years and shall suffer for your faithlessness, until the last of your dead bodies lies in the wilderness. [34] According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, a year for each day, you shall bear your iniquity forty years, and you shall know my displeasure.' [35] I, the Lord, have spoken. Surely this will I do to all this wicked congregation who are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall come to a full end, and there they shall die."( English Standard Version)
Grumbling isn't confined to me. It's a constant temptation to us homeschooling moms because we can so easily get our eyes off the eternal nature of our jobs and onto the many tasks that can go unnoticed and unthanked. Our pay day is so far in the future that we can feel that we're wandering in the desert, and doomed to die there, instead of purposefully and joyfully heading for a Promised Land. We fall into grumbling and complaining about our jobs as homeschooling moms because we lose perspective (and because we're sinful). Do you think my job sounds meaningful? Let's think together about yours.
You get to wake up each morning and greet your Lord and Savior, Who will give you all that you need for godliness and joy in living if you but tarry with Him awhile. You get to teach one or more young children each day to become future blessings to mankind each day. You get to be the primary shaping influence in their lives. Most of us get to stay and work in our own homes, surrounded by the decor and conveniences that we have chosed, and secure from terror or danger, while our husbands go out and work to provide food, clothing, and all the things we need for us. We get to introduce our children to Jesus. We get to have a front row seat at a thousand acts of kindness and love that our dear Savior pours out on us and through us on the people we love every day. We get to minister to our tired husbands, our sick children, and our ailing parents and our troubled friends and neighbors. It is our privilege to be ambassadors for Christ to a sin-sick world each day, whether or not we even 
leave our homes.
And when we are done in this world, we will get to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master." Well, that's a great job; one we can thank God for in every season of our lives. Let's do all we can to retain perspective on the job we have and the life we've been given. There's so much to be grateful for!
But, know what? I haven't seen it this way every day. For many days in recent past, I have not been wondering at the fact that I get to do this, but complaining that I've got to do this. "I've got to go write Week 6," I sigh. "I've got to work late tonight." "I've got to read this or that book for my curriculum writing." Then the "I'd rather be's..." being and flow like water from my mouth. My complaints and self-focused sighs have been voiced for so many days that I can't begin to count them. It pains me to think of how often I've grumbled and complained about my job, which is a gift from Father's hand, perfectly crafted for me, and a privilege to perform by almost any standards. One little letter is all it takes to change me from "get to" to "got to." But in that little change is a world of sin. God takes a potently negative view of those who grumble about His revealed choices for their lives and vocations. Here's a sample:
Numbers 14:28-35 (ESV)
Say to them, 'As I live, declares the Lord, what you have said in my hearing I will do to you: [29] your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness, and of all your number, listed in the census from twenty years old and upward, who have grumbled against me, [30] not one shall come into the land where I swore that I would make you dwell, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. [31] But your little ones, who you said would become a prey, I will bring in, and they shall know the land that you have rejected. [32] But as for you, your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness. [33] And your children shall be shepherds in the wilderness forty years and shall suffer for your faithlessness, until the last of your dead bodies lies in the wilderness. [34] According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, a year for each day, you shall bear your iniquity forty years, and you shall know my displeasure.' [35] I, the Lord, have spoken. Surely this will I do to all this wicked congregation who are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall come to a full end, and there they shall die."( English Standard Version)
Grumbling isn't confined to me. It's a constant temptation to us homeschooling moms because we can so easily get our eyes off the eternal nature of our jobs and onto the many tasks that can go unnoticed and unthanked. Our pay day is so far in the future that we can feel that we're wandering in the desert, and doomed to die there, instead of purposefully and joyfully heading for a Promised Land. We fall into grumbling and complaining about our jobs as homeschooling moms because we lose perspective (and because we're sinful). Do you think my job sounds meaningful? Let's think together about yours.
You get to wake up each morning and greet your Lord and Savior, Who will give you all that you need for godliness and joy in living if you but tarry with Him awhile. You get to teach one or more young children each day to become future blessings to mankind each day. You get to be the primary shaping influence in their lives. Most of us get to stay and work in our own homes, surrounded by the decor and conveniences that we have chosed, and secure from terror or danger, while our husbands go out and work to provide food, clothing, and all the things we need for us. We get to introduce our children to Jesus. We get to have a front row seat at a thousand acts of kindness and love that our dear Savior pours out on us and through us on the people we love every day. We get to minister to our tired husbands, our sick children, and our ailing parents and our troubled friends and neighbors. It is our privilege to be ambassadors for Christ to a sin-sick world each day, whether or not we even 
leave our homes.And when we are done in this world, we will get to hear "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master." Well, that's a great job; one we can thank God for in every season of our lives. Let's do all we can to retain perspective on the job we have and the life we've been given. There's so much to be grateful for!
Labels: encouragement, family
Amen Marcia!!
Thanks SO much for being transparent and honest. I NEEDED this reminder to be grateful for what the Lord has called me to. I've been having my own private (and NOT so private) pitty party since we've moved from NC to MO. Thanks so much for sharing!