“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV
I know that it’s taking this verse out of context and using it for my own purposes, but doesn’t that just about sum up September? How we have to forget the past summer and move on to doing new things – teaching, structure, advancing our children’s learning?
Also it reflects how impossible it can feel to make things happen in our own strength. I cannot, by my own hand, make a road where there isn’t one, or a river flow through the dessert. I also cannot make my children eat vegetables, learn their hard letter sounds, or accept correction and thank me for directing them back to the straight and narrow.
But I think that’s also the point: I cannot make change happen on my own. I can only rely on Christ, be strengthened by His work in me day by day, and trust that my children will learn these things in His timing, however long that takes.
We started choir for my oldest today. She nearly lost the privilege due to an excessive tantrum this morning. But she was helpful while we were there and did really well with her choir director. It always helps when she has someone else she can listen to.
I think I am that way, too. When I’m trying to make things happen and they aren’t going my way, I have a fit about it not going my way. It looks different than it does for my 6-year-old (at least, I hope it looks different!) but I still am immature in those moments of throwing a tantrum because of not getting my way.
I get that way from listening to my own voice and not looking for a guiding teacher.
Then God steps in. He reminds me of how to behave and leads me to a better path. A path with peace, wisdom, and His leadership. Where I do not even pretend to be the authority and guide.
When I humbly submit to Christ and look for His will in my life, there is so much more peace. I don’t strive for my own way, I am a calmer mother to my children, and though there are waves that rock the boat, I don’t crash it or jump ship like I would if I were on my own.
**this feels unfinished. Like there needs to be an application to moving from season to season. Decluttering? Switching out wardrobes? Donating what didn’t get used this summer? Investing in personal growth? a call to greater care?