This word seems to describe to a tee how I feel of late. Not necessarily in the bad sense, I don’t think. I guess it depends on what/who is doing the ‘overwhelming’.
As I have been doing the last minute preparations for our new school year starting next week, I have been a bit emotional. It hit me last night that we are starting our 17th year of home schooling. That is a huge part of my life.
I stumbled across an old paper that had very primitive handwriting on it, that of a very young child. It brought tears to my eyes as I realized just how blessed I have been to have home schooled all these years. I mean I have taught them to read, I have been there for breakfast, lunch and dinner and countless snacks, all day, every day. I GET to be with my children e.v.e.r.y s.i.n.g.l.e. day!
What a privilege it has been and will continue to be, Lord willing. Molding little souls for my King. Loving and nurturing little hearts. Being the one who GETS to hear their heart, share their dreams. Getting to watch them grow and mature.
So, I am overwhelmed with this precious honor of being a mom, a home school mom.
That is just the tip of the iceberg and all I have time to write about today. There are other things that He has blessed me with that cause me to just bow, bow before Him in gratitude. No words, just tears and humble gratitude.
Really, I GET to be the mother-in-law who gets her daughter-in-law over for a day. I get to take care of her, become friends with her, love on her?? I get to hold that precious little snuggle-buns of a baby all day. Really?
I get to have a blast painting furniture, being creative, meeting people, pouring Jesus out on all who will listen, bless others, AND make money? Really? People ‘want’ my work? Really?
I have the energy and strength to do all this, when not to long ago, getting out of bed took more strength than I had?
This season of life has pushed me to my limit, in a good way. I really don’t think, and I have thought hard, that I have ever had more on my plate, that seems to be ordained by God, then I do right now. 
But here is the thing, this ‘overwhelmedness’ ( I know, it’s not a word) is a good thing, I am overwhelmed with His grace, His mercy. I absolutely HAVE to rely on Him, look to Him for my next move. If I think of just one step ahead of Him I am buried, overwhelmed in the bad sense.
This song has ministered to my heart, “More Than A Friend”, of late. I just sit there and sing it, tears streaming down.
“. . .and I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You”
I know just how you feel, Michelle. I homeschooled our kids for 21 years! (and you've almost caught up to that). Have a blessed schoolyear.
ReplyDeleteYou described how I've been feeling perfectly. We'll start our 18th year of homeschooling in a couple of weeks (officially), but in the meantime our kids are learning every day how to be good stewards, love one another, and give thanks even during the storms. Thank you for sharing your heart~
ReplyDeleteBlessings~Kim
Oh, Michelle. I love this post and this thought for my day - how precious to get to homeschool and mother these three precious little ones. It is a privilege, NOT a burden! Lord forgive me for the days and moments where I have let myself feel as though it were. We are blessed!
ReplyDelete-Lindsay
These were lovely thoughts. I so admire you for doing homeschooling for 17 years. I have a daughter who home schools and she is just like you she loves being there with her children every single day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to all of you who home school; and keep on enjoying all those moments.
Very sweet post! We should all be OVERWHELMED every single day with HIS LOVE, and GOODNESS and MERCY to us!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, we are so very privileged to get to stay home and build our homes and nurture and teach our families! So grateful for a husband who is willing to make sacrifices in order for me too be at home! No place I'd rather be! (I think that would make a great title for a future blog post . . . . ) ;)
blessings,
Elizabeth
Homeschooling is such a privilege. I am blessed beyond compare. Thank you for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteSometimes in the "dailyness" of it all, you forget that.
As a wife and mama in the beginning stages these joys, my only child isn't even old enough to school/homeschool yet. I love how you looked back at your child's work and you are pleased with the outcome of your life and efforts. That's something a lot of parents can't say. Even my mom has asked if I had a nice childhood. Many parents have doubts and regrets more than recollections of the joys.
ReplyDeleteI too hope to be one of the few (there should be more!) who looks over the past and sees the fruit of my labors, especially in the lives of my children. What a blessing!!
I'm probably one of the younger of your followers, but I just wanted to let you know I'm encouraged by your blog.
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! Blessings overflow when we are obedient don't they.
Retired from teaching public school (Home Economics) four years ago and so enjoy getting to stay at home now too.
Blessings, Kathy
Beautiful post, my friend!
ReplyDelete