It seems I will never learn the lesson to “never say never.” In my life, this lesson has played out more times than I care to admit and yet, I continue to forget that never is a mere stones throw away from reality. My list of “nevers” is long and actually quite amusing from this perspective! And it is supplying me with an abundance of crow to consume as we go through this lean economic time.
Let’s see, I said I would never marry and if for some reason I did, I would never marry anyone who was not incredibly wealthy. (Rod continues to hide his riches from me, but I think he is just wanting to be confident that I love him for who he is!!) Then, I emphatically declared that I would NEVER live in a mobile home. I did that. I said I would never have children. Did that times two. I would NEVER under ANY circumstances be somebodies Suzy Homemaker; I could NEVER live without wheat – EVER and I would NEVER, NEVER, NEVER move to Washington State so don’t even bother to ask. Ahh, yup. Did it. Did it. Did it. And lest we forget the all powerful “I will never lose my home to foreclosure.” The list goes on, but you get the point. NEVER SAY NEVER!!
Today, I had to face another “never” head on, but unlike my other “nevers” which when defied they changed my life in a positive way, this one is grieving me. This “never” was not some childish whim or a stubborn proclamation made out of fear; no, this one was stated out of passion for our beliefs and because of what we feel is in the best interest of our children. Today, I registered my two precious blessings in public school. Some of you may read that statement and think I’ve lost my mind. That’s okay, many have thought that before. Others of you will understand and maybe even shed a tear with me simply because you yourselves have made the endless sacrifices it requires to home school your children. No matter how you feel about homeschooling, my heart says it is the right thing for us to do. My love for Jesus and the truth of His Word has caused me to make this sacrifice for our kids in spite of the inconvenience. The joy I find in just being with my kids, experiencing their victories and their struggles, impacting their lives in a powerful way and pouring out all I have to them is simply satisfying. These feelings obviously made this an incredibly hard decision for us, but it is one we knew we had to make, so we are trusting God with the outcome.
For now, I will need to trust in my Father in Heaven to guard and protect the treasure in the hearts of my children as they spend 7 hours a day, 5 days a week being influenced by ideas which go against all we believe in and know to be true. I will trust Him to give them courage to buck the system when necessary, to bless them with love to reach out to the lost and to strengthen them for the inevitable battles to come. I am confident that He will care for all of their needs, He has prepared them for such a time as this and He will give His angels charge over my babies while they are away from their Mommy.
So what is on the menu for dinner tonight? You guessed it – fresh baked crow with a side of crow. There is plenty to go around, so if you are in the vicinity come on over, fill your plate and share your “never” stories with me. I know you have some!
Decide today to never say never again! Your destiny is waiting!