It's Time to Get Ready

Backpacks, crayons, notebooks, markers, folders, paper, pencils, scissors, lunch boxes, erasers...the list goes on and on...and on.  We have it all.  Will it get used? 

I tell the boys, "Make sure you color in the lines!  Use your best handwriting.  Get  those creative juices flowing and write!  Don't lose your lunch box.  Do your best."  Will they?

I look on the fire place.

Packed and ready to go!  Have we done enough?  My heart is burdened by that question.  But that is not all.

For the first time in my life, I am asking, "Have I done enough for her also?"  I gathered the supplies for my boys in one uneventful trip to my local Walmart.  Our precious Natalie doesn't have that luxury.  Our sponsorship and the extra money we sent her will help her gather supplies and get a uniform, but it is more than that.

Have I really done enough?  As we send our children off to school, it just can't be about new shoes and monogrammed backpacks. 

"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Are their hearts ready?  Have we invested enough in them and poured enough Jesus into them to prepare them?  Have the letters that we have written to Natalie encouraged her, empowered her and prepared her for life?

I hear the words, "Mom, can we pray for my teacher?" "Mom, I hope there are kids in my class that I can invite to church." "Mom, don't worry.  God will be with us when we leave."

The faith of a child.  The innocent belief that God will answer prayers.  The eager enthusiasm to speak of Jesus.  The assurance that He goes before us.

 I want to believe that we have done enough.

 I look at the smiles and the growth that has taken place since they walked out the doors in May.  As they prepare in just a few days to walk into them again, I pray.

The words, "Make the most of every opportunity." (Ephesians 5:16) flow from my mouth.  Then they convict my heart.  Are you making the most of every opportunity?

We must not be complacent and miss this one.  It will make a difference for generations to come.  My children need me to make the most of every opportunity.   My sponsored child needs me to make the most of every opportunity.  There are thousands of children who need to be sponsored so they can have that chance.  www.compassion.com/LIFEbridge Their lives are depending on my obedience and I have to be ready.  We have to be ready.

The supply list can wait.  Make the most of these days.  Take the time to color in the lines of children's lives.  Use your best handwriting as you write scripture on their hearts.  Allow your creative juices to have fun and play.  Take time for a picnic lunch and listen while you eat.  Do your best.

It may not feel like enough, but it is a start.  It is the cry of my heart as I look at the start of this year.

"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." Psalm 5:3

My faith, God's Word, grace, patience, prayer, forgiveness, peace, endurance, righteousness...the list goes on and on...We have it all.  Will it get used?