Make it a great day through Vertical Home Schooling
When we rise every morning, we have exactly one day to spend. When we close our eyes at
night, we may reflect that it was a great day or perhaps it was a wasted day. The difference is
often our perspective of our purpose.
If we arise and look to others to fill the empty places in our lives, our joy may only be
temporary. Yes, the hugs and cuddles of our little ones warm our hearts, but their demands can
also be overwhelming. The encouragement of our spouse is wonderful, until we are all having a
bad day together, then “ain’t no one happy!” Teens are great and wonderful until the eyes start
rolling and arguments start. What’s a family to do?
Our answer is to connect ourselves vertically first and foremost. We need to find our identity in
Jesus. When we-know-that-we know we are chosen children, loved, and forgiven, then our days
can truly be great, no matter what happens! Seeking God first sounds so simple, but it isn’t. We
have to be INTENTIONAL! (Psalm 27:8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face! Your face, LORD will
I seek. NIV)
Because I am a “scribe” at heart, I like to connect with God through my scribblings in my
notebook or on my laptop. I begin by writing a genuine thank you note to the LORD. I open my
bible and read and copy verses and write reflections, declarations, and prayers. True
confession: because I try to walk as closely with the Holy Spirit as possible, I often write down
what I discern that the Holy Spirit might be speaking to me at the moment. Sometimes it is
followed by words or numbers which lead me to a section of scripture. This confirms in my
heart that I am truly hearing God’s still small voice. I usually “hear” words of encouragement,
and exhortation to keep believing, keep hoping, keep pressing onward. (This usually lasts about
30-45 minutes.)
When I depended on others to fill my empty places, my relationships would struggle and my
self-esteem drained out. I was once told by a Christian “friend” that I was like a person carrying
a bucket with holes in it, asking everyone else to fill me up. (Ouch!) Since then, I have tried to
focus my needs upon God and He satisfies my hunger for encouragement. Here is what I have
found:
Seeking God first gives us a place of rest. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. (Matthew
11:28)
Seeking God gives us strength. Seek the Lord and his strength; Seek his face continually. (1
Chronicles 16:11)
Seeking God gives us wisdom. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all
these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
When God has met our needs through our seeking hearts, THEN we can bless others
and pour his goodness out to them as well. That makes it truly a GREAT DAY!
