You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Isaiah 25:3
I was revisiting this piece of advice that I shared with a sweet mother over a decade ago to see if it still holds true for today’s families. I think that it does and much of what I share in my mentoring sessions revolves around how we can best arrange our hearts, minds, and schedules to live in not just any peace, but in HIS peace.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7
So, yes, there are reasons to cut back on inside activities (a too-full feast?) and outside activities (a too-full extra curricular schedule?)
If Shalom – if peace – is human flourishing in a proper relationship with God, with others, and with nature then we must not get in the way with our seemingly wonderful plans. Our school work should be developmentally appropriate for each child, keeping, seriously keeping, to short, varied lessons, ending the school day when it is scheduled to end. And if our running around to various activities gets in the way of the quiet and solitude of afternoon hours and play outdoors, then let’s change that while we can. Your sweet children will not be under your roof forever. In fact, it’s a very short time that they are.
What I ultimately mean by that statement of “keep cutting back until there is peace in your home” is that if you are not finding time to be still and know God – do what you need to do so that you can appropriate that peace. It may mean limiting your activities – school or otherwise.
Warmly,
Nancy
Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.
-Catherine Marshall, author of Christy
Read more about peace in your home:
Peace Like a River – encouragement for peace in your homeschool
Parents Are Peacemakers – sign up for a free pdf in the sidebar
The Well-Read Child or How Much is Too Much? – on reading fewer books
We just relocated to another state, and we are preparing to start back to school next week. There has been too much anxiety and worry lately. As I read your post, I felt as though I were exhaling. It’s a timely reminder that only one thing is necessary: to sit at the feet of Jesus. Thank you.
Yes! I couldn’t agree more, Julia.
Warmly,
Nancy
This piece of advice has served me well over the years. I have used it many times to help steer our family through challenging life changes when the busyness & overwhelm threatened to overtake our home. Thank you for your willingness to share it with us.
I am happy to hear this, Chassidy! His peace will always bring us back to what’s important, won’t it?
Warmly,
Nancy