Grand Plans

Before school let out in June, I had grand plans for the kids. There were going to be chore charts and art lessons, printing practices and educational excursions. And then summer descended upon us and the kids were home. And somehow all my great ambitions were a little harder to execute than to plan.

The kids have done some chores, but without a chart. We did one art project after going on one educational excursion to an art gallery and there was one printing practice session, and does it count that we went to the library a couple of times? But by and large, summer has mostly happened to us and a fair amount of TV has been watched and computer games played.

However, one plan has stuck. I wanted the kids - and me - to memorize one Bible verse a week and write in a gratitude journal everyday. So far we have four verses memorized and we're working on the fifth. When I haul out the journals at lunchtime, the kids never complain about listing things they are thankful for. I'm glad about this. I am glad that the most important plan is working out. Chores there will be  

ad infinitum, art and printing happen everyday anyway as they draw their pictures and label them, and any experience can be educational. Absorbing Scripture and cultivating gratitude takes a bit more effort, but the returns are more long lasting. It helps put into perspective the lack of fruition of my educational and organizational plans.

Be joyful always.

Pray continually.

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18

The Lord your God is with you;

He is might to save.

He will take great delight in you,

He will quiet you with his love,

He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only that which

is helpful for building others up, according to their needs that it may benefit

those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29

A good name is more desirable than great riches;

To be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Proverbs 22:1

The Lord appeared to us in the past saying,

“I have loved you with an everlasting love,

I have drawn you with loving kindness.”

Jeremiah 31:3

                    “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans

                     to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope

                     and a future.”

                                                                 Isaiah 29:11