Change

Change...defined.

To make the form, nature, content, future course, etc., of something different from what it is or from what it would be if left alone.

About 3 months ago Chris and I stayed up into the wee hours discussing our lives and the life of our family. What did we want our lives to be about? What were the things that were most important to us? What could we/should we change to align our lives with our priorities for our home and family? What did God want for us? What was His will for us individually, for our children and for our family as a whole? When we look back in 20/30/40 years what will we think? Will we have wished that we did things differently?

And, thus began our journey of change. And when I say journey I mean it...we are nowhere near the end result of what God has for us...but I believe that we are on the path that He intends for this time in our lives.

While little changes are easier to swallow and execute...big changes can be a bit challenging. And we are currently in the midst of some big changes...

Our house is on the market....and has been for almost a month. It has been cleaned more in the last 4 weeks, than it has in the last 4 months! Please pray with us that it well sell at the right time.

And big change number 2....we are homeschooling! Now....let me serve up a word of caution to you. I ALWAYS said that I would NEVER homeschool. So be careful what you say!! This choice is offering our family the opportunity to change our focus just a bit. I am NOT saying that this is what everyone should do. It is just right for us...right now. That might change in a few years (days, weeks???) but for now we are at total peace that we have made the right decision in this area.

Today the decision to homeschool felt more real than ever. For the past 6 years, this is the day that we donned new uniforms, woke up early for the first time in weeks, had a yummy breakfast, trekked to school with Daddy (and camera) in tow and started a new year of school. We hugged Nan on our way in and greeted all of our friends (and cousins), unloaded our supplies and began "learning." It is hard to not be doing those things today, but I know that when God says no to something it is because He wants to say yes to something better.

So, instead of getting in bed early last night so that we could be ready for school...at 9:30 p.m. Alex and Daddy were having a Lego Hero battle, Anna was watching Design Star with Nan (a weekly ritual) and I was taking a hot bath. Instead of getting up early to get everyone ready for school, I woke up early and spent time visiting with Chris and took a long walk. We had a nice leisurely breakfast and now my kids are playing (we'll officially start school at home on Wednesday). Alex is building things and Anna is dressed up like a pioneer while she watches a movie from that same era.

I don't expect this CHANGE to be easy and without bumps on the road, but I know that He is there to help us on the way. A couple of verses that He gave me this morning...

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom..." Colossians 3:16

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:6

Praying for God's grace and wisdom as I embark on this new adventure.