Relaxed or Lazy?

In the ten years of our homeschooling journey,
I've always leaned towards a relaxed approach.
But over the years, I have learned that
there is a fine line between relaxed and lazy.

The Holy Spirit is Faithful in growing me
and changing my way of thinking
as I seek to learn more and serve Him.
Something that I have learned about myself
(which, generally, tends to be painful)
is that for many years, I have used my "relaxed approach"
to justify my selfishness, lack of self-discipline
and motivation, and , overall, laziness.
He has opened my eyes to some of the bad habits
that my lack of consistency and faithfulness have born
and, though painful, I am praising Him for it.

I have never been a 'schedule person'.
In fact, the idea of a schedule will sometimes overwhelm me.
I have been able, in the past, to sit down
and create schedules but, alas, they become
pieces of pretty and well thought out ideas
collecting dust, age, and creases in a drawer somewhere.

Why did I not wrap my mind around it before? I don't know.
But, as only HE can, He has opened my eyes
and brought me, again, to a Scripture that, in the past,
I liked to "sugar coat"... knowing it was a "good idea"
but not something I, necessarily, needed to apply right away.
(Sounds ridiculous, I know)
But, thankfully, God's Word is Simple, Clear, and True
and so is His character.
All of creation was made in a particular order
and continues still, in an orderly way.
He is a God of order and One Who desires order.

"Let us do all things decently and in order."
~ 1 Corinthians 14:40

decently ~ suitably; decorously {suitable to a character}
in order ~ regular arrangement

That being said, prayerfully I sat to make a schedule
that would accomplish what I believe the Lord
would have for our family to do.
Today, bathed in prayer, we began implementing it.
Our first morning went very well,
though we encountered a few "situations",
He helped and gave us the victory. Praise Him!
By His grace and help, we will continue in it,
adjusting where He reveals is needed.
We will not be a slave to it, however.
When days call for us to be out of the house
(whether running errands, serving Him elsewhere)
or other situations arise, we understand that
interruptions are allowed of the Lord and will adjust as needed.

Below is a photo of our schedule with His command at the top,
reminding us why we will be doing what we'll do.


{click to enlarge}

We look forward to honoring Him
as we, prayerfully, redeem the time He has entrusted us with.

"... that in all things he might have the preeminence."
~ Colossians 1:18