What is Your Purpose?

This past weekend our pastor spoke on the subject of purpose using the end of the first chapter of Luke.  When we think about this specific part of the Bible we think about the birth of Christ.  This passage is a familiar passage this time of year.  But our pastor made me think about something a bit different this year.  What is my purpose?

Mary’s purpose was to be the mother of Christ.  No where in the scripture do we see her complaining or refusing the words of the Angel of the Lord.  We don’t see her replying, “No, sorry, you are going to have to find someone else.  I don’t want to do this.  I am afraid and I don’t want to put myself or my family through this.”  Mary’s reply was quite specific.  “ I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”

Mary was willing to do God’s will.  She was willing to fulfill her purpose.

What is your purpose? As a homeschool mom, we know our purpose for this season is to educate our children at home.  Let me tell you, as a veteran homeschool mom of over 13 years, it is not all apple pie!  Nor am I going to admit to it being a chore.  But there are days, seasons even, that I find it hard to want to homeschool my children.  I am not talking about the catastrophic, life changing events that come our way.  Those are times when loving and bringing your family closer to each other and God are in order. I am talking about the day-in-day-out events that try on my patience.  Sometimes, it is a character issue in one of our children that must be dealt with.  Other times, it is my own heart that needs ministering.

I shared with a dear friend recently of my feelings of worthlessness.  She reassured me that she too had these feelings at one time.  Most likely this time was about the time our children were the same ages.  There comes a time when our children need us less and less for their instruction.  They begin to seek out answers on their own.  They can read their books and gather information without the help of mom.  We should rejoice, we have taught them well!  Instead, we sometimes find ourselves feeling unneeded, and useless.  My friend encouraged me to seek the Lord’s guidance and talk with my wonderful husband. 

It is easy to become saddened or ‘lost’ in the busyness of raising a family, strengthening a marriage, keeping our home, and dare I say being involved with our church and homeschool groups.  Where am I in all this?  Have I lost sight of what my purpose is? 

My heart’s desire as a young college student and newlywed, was to have a family and be the best mother and wife I could.  God blessed our family many times over for us to be able to afford me this blessing, of always being home with my children.  So why was I questioning what I had dearly prayed for and received?  Is this not what I wanted anymore?  Was I being disobedient to what God has as my purpose?

In the past few months, my husband and I have come to the reality that our children are only here for a short time in our home.  They will begin leaving home in the next couple of years, and with them being so close in age, they will all be gone before I reach my mid- forties!  I have made a decision, I am going to keep working towards the goal we set for our family – to raise children that seek God’s will for their lives, while educating them at home.  We homeschool our children to show them the world and to seek God’s purpose for their place in this world.  We raise our children to believe no job (God’s work) is too small or unimportant.  I needed to remember that my job as a homeschooling mother of three was important. Even though society and even my dear friends tell me I am wasting my education and the education of my children by being at home! Sure, there is no paycheck in a monetary sense, but the rewards are far more worthwhile!  God’s daily blessings are all around me, if I just take the time to see them.

So does this mean I am supposed to be happy about homeschooling my kids?  Yes!  It is a blessing!  It doesn’t mean it has to consume our entire lives.  At a coffee meeting with fellow homeschool moms, a friend shared that she is reading a book about finding herself in the midst of homeschooling.  She was seeking out a hobby, ministry or some activity that would be just for her.  For me, it is my scrapbooking hobby.  I simply love getting together with friends to preserve the memories of my family.  In the past, when our children were much younger, I had returned to college to complete my undergraduate and graduate degrees.  This was my time to educate myself, to be a better teacher for my children.  It is not a requirement to have a degree in anything to teach you children at home, you merely need a desire and a passion to do it.  I had a desire to learn about curriculum development and instructional technology.  Homeschooling is but a season in my life.  Our children will be gone all too soon, and I wanted to have an opportunity to teach and develop curriculum at some point in the future.

If you are weary, remember, God’s purpose for you!  Seek  out what that purpose is and work towards that goal. Renew your spirit by finding something you enjoy – a new hobby, a class, or a ministry. God loves us, he wants the best for us. We are of worth to Him!  Here’s a gentle reminder, “for nothing is impossible with God.”

Luke 1:37 and 38