The Microscope
Posted in Daily Focus on Saturday, May 3, 2014
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2).
My children weren't the only ones who learned character lessons during the course of our homeschooling. Daily, I came under the same instruction as my children, and I struggled to show patience, kindness, and love in my actions. One particular day of character building (or the lack of it) stands out clearly in my mind. I had just given my son an expensive hand-held microscope for his birthday. I envisioned him enjoying hours of inspecting bugs, plants, and rocks with this new educational toy, but my dreams were short-lived. As I walked into my son's room that afternoon, I found the microscope lying on his desk completely disassembled. Parts were everywhere, and before my son could offer any explanation, I immediately accused him of ruining the microscope. When my barrage of hurtful comments chastising him to be more responsible ended, he looked at me and said, "I'm sorry, Mom. I took it apart to use the light bulb in my science experiment. I was going to put it back together when I was done."
The ability to live godly is something every Christian seeks to attain. As I examined my actions that day under the light and focus of God's Word, I realized how undisciplined I was in showing patience. My tongue was severely in need of being bridled (James 3), and I found myself coming to God and my child to ask forgiveness for my sinful foolishness. Although I could have hidden behind fatigue and other excuses, the clear picture of who I was without the Holy Spirit was more than evident.
What about you? Have you taken a good look lately at your attitude and actions during the course of your homeschooling day? We all fall short of the glory of God, but are you allowing God to change you as He reveals those areas in your life that need to come under His Lordship? Like the lens of a microscope, what is God's Word revealing about the true state of your character?
Father, I humbly bow before You and confess my sin. Too many days I reflect my old nature rather than the new life in Christ You have given me. Increase the fruit of righteousness within my life that my character might reflect Your glory. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
Comments(10 comments)
JANIT K 05/02/2011 04:57:19
AMEN
SHERI T 05/02/2011 06:54:59
I am new to this site and find each day speaks directly to me. Thank you for your willingness to share your experiences and wisdom!! Today, truly struck a cord in my heart!
Sheri
TABITHA M 05/02/2011 07:22:07
thanx for sharing, this is a situation that can or has happened to all of us.
CARIN M 05/02/2011 09:54:04
Thank you for sharing. I love this daily devotional every morning.
I am not sure whose character flaws challenge me more my own or my children's; we are certainly working on both in our home school.
Thank you for sharing!
JENNIFER R 05/02/2011 13:52:07
Thank you- what a wonderful reminder to look at ourselves instead of others. Thank you for the daily email and also the daily prayer. It is wonderful to be able to read it and have a short prayer quickly.
MELISSA S 05/02/2012 03:38:41
Thank you...now to live what I've learned.
MELISSA B 05/02/2012 06:12:40
Simply put; I need to be "refilled" daily with the Holy Spirit so God can use me for His glory. I need to seek forgiveness daily for my sinful human nature. (this is not something that comes easy all the time especially while trying to homeschool, be a good mother, be a good wife, be a good friend, and many more titles, we as moms, hold) Motherhood is the hardest, most long-suffering job there is, in my opinion. Therefore, we MUST be refilled daily with the Holy Spirit so God can work in our lives for good, for His glory and those around us will see the love of Jesus in us. What a wonderful way to witness to and encourage others. Remember the hymns, "Jesus Paid It All" and "Cleanse Me". Search a hymn book and read the verses carefully. I love hymns. They are a great way to praise the Lord. :)
MICHAEL B 05/02/2012 07:43:29
This is lora,the homeschooling mom. Everyday I find myself asking God for his strength and then by the end of the day asking for forgiveness. Being a stay-at-home homeschooling mom is the hardest thing I have ever done. I have had many days of being over exaugested and just blowing it by screaming at my kids because they will not listen. My youger two listen better, but my older dfaughter is disrespectful and stubborn. She constantly says things to put me down. I know it is only words but they hurt! What makes it worse is that my husband and I are not on the same page as far as discipline. He lets too much go. When I say something to him he says to \"let her go\" or then he says things that are way too strict and does not make sense. He gets mad and says hurtful things too. I constantly ask for God\'s help. Pray for us because this is hard.. Thankl you for the devoetionals!!
Dana Sutton 05/03/2013 16:27:44
Oh yes! I completely understand. I have had to ask for a lot of help through this new homeschooling adventure my son and I are on. I have discovered, as I am sure others have as well, that my attitude is everything. If I am discouraged, he will be too. If I am positive, so is he. Some days are much easier to be be positive than others are though, aren't they? But I have realized that this whole learning process is totally worthwhile for the both of us. That came after only a week into the lessons when my son, who has struggled in public school for years, looked up at me with a new revelation and said, "I'm smart!" I often think back to that beacon of light on those days when I feel like pulling my hair out, because he is smart and it is about time he believes it too.
Brandy Godert 05/06/2013 13:20:32
Unfortunately, this is something that I can relate to so easily. I struggle with this frequently. I knew exactly what you were talking about when you talked about envisioning how the microscope would be used and your dismay at finding it disassembled. This sounds exactly like me, not even waiting long enough to take a breath before I lose my temper, let alone giving them a chance to explain. Thank you so much for writing this. It's easy to feel like you are the only mom who does this when it's you. I, too, spend too much time reflecting my old nature, instead of the new life I have in Christ. Thanks again.