We watched a couple of videos on Sunday . . . . and the contrast of the two kept me thinking for the rest of the day – and today, Wednesday – I’m still chewing on it.
The beginning idea comes from the Shawhank Redemption – the scene where they are sitting, chatting, and thinking about the future. He says – You gotta either get busy living, or get busy dying. Our speaker was encouraging us to engage, to get going, be intentional – get focused – Eyes on the Goal – Eyes on Christ.
We talked about Peter – walking on the water – eyes on Christ – and when he looked away – he sank. Christ had to lift him up, rescue him, and put him back in the boat. To which – we watched the second video:
Fearless Man Riding Dirtbike Link
The above video is only a minute and a half, go ahead and watch it – it’s amazing. The focus the rider has to have, the knowledge of the trail, possibly having been there before in the summer, depending on his skills, setting fear aside, willing to fall – I could go on.
The whole talk was really good – but these two contrasts stood out to me. Thinking of being a parent. A Woman of Faith. A Homeschooling Mom. A Blogger. A Sharer.
I’ve met a lot of parents in person, and on line, that seem to have an air of apology. Making excuses. Of why they can’t do this or that. Of why their kids aren’t this or that. Why their house is run this way or that. Why the sink is full or empty. Why they notebook or workbook or no book.
I don’t want to be the person sitting on the wall, I want to be walking the courtyard, spilling out pebbles a bit at a time, every day, digging. Digging. With a goal. Focused. Not afraid.
I want to walk on water. I want my focus on Christ. I don’t want to see the waves, the storm, the hazards, Just Christ.
I don’t want to apologize for where I am on this pendulum. Some days I’m almost to shore, and some days, I feel like I’ve been lifted up by my collar and put back in the boat.
I love sharing our lives on the internet. I love showing how we do what we do – hoping to encourage you – that you can do it too – in your way – in obedience to how He directs you to do it.
I want to have confidence, to strap the camera on my helmet, and ride or fall, just do it. He’s not totally nuts, he does have a helmet on . . .But he is confident that his training and experience would pull through, and he would be capable.
Where are you on this swing? Where is your focus? When you focus on today, the right now, I think that’s when one falls. Too many distractions. Frustrations. Interruptions. But knowing what is in the future, what we’re building on – eyes ahead, not looking behind, –
Our memory verse today is from Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
I have a group of young moms in town asking me questions. I think we will be forming a group. I’ve been learning about homeschooling for 8 years, and a couple of years before that. I’ve been experiencing many methods and styles over the years. Why would I ever answer with an apologetic tone? Arg. Hard to verbalize in print, with kids coming and going, phone calls and drop bys. . . . I leave you with those thoughts for the evening. . . . I’m still chewin’ on it. . . . .
+Angie Wright
Pebblekeeper 
Hi Angie,
I peeked in here from sister Amanda’s blog and I’m glad I did.
This post spoke to all mothers, beyond homeschooling or religion. Being intentional, thoughtful about our lives with our families, focusing on what is important and where we want to put our efforts and energy…and then doing it without apology–this is a feat so many of us strive toward. Currently a stay-at-home mom, I cannot answer the question of “what do you do” without adding that “I’m usually a preschool teacher, but for right now…”.
I am not currently homeschooling (I might one day…who knows?) but I have an incredible amount of respect and awe for homeschooling parent/teachers. At 41, I’m reconsidering my professional life, and some of that will be affected by my son, who starts kindergarten next fall with some challenges. Homeschool may be in our future, because we want him to succeed, whether or not he does so in a public school or at the kitchen table doesn’t matter. We go forward, doing what we can for our children and our selves. Perhaps one day we mothers (who seem to have to justify ourselves at every turn) will be empowered to say “We are mothers, isn’t that enough?” and have it truly be enough.
Thanks for stopping by! I’ve peeked at your blog as well through your sister! It’s funny, even today a person was questioning our learning, and I almost spoke up in defense, but I just let it go. I know what goes on in our home, and it’s the best that we can offer. 😉
I appreciate all that you share with me & if you get a group going please please invite me 🙂 Although most my days I feel completely overwhelmed by the going going going of my days I really want to get together with you more!
Thanks Cori!
I read this and had the verse, “Being confident of this VERY THING”. What thing? That the good work which has been started will be completed. I totally *heart* what you are sharing here. You should share, without apology, the beauty and awesome that God has led you through all these years. It has not been an easy road. But it is the privilege of big sisters to show the younger sisters the paths before them.
Some day you will look back and see a completed work, y’know, in heaven. Until then, be confident. Who knows? Maybe it’s your turn to be part of another good work starting?
I Heart You. (Cough cough soup) You are so adorable. (Cough Cough coffee). And you have cute shoes. (Cough Cough Hungry).
I also have lozenges… 🙂
I’m not sure if the gutteral laughter is coming from how brilliantly clever you are or how long it took me to get it. . . .
I think there is a difference between fearlessness and lunacy. Riding that trail is, in my opinion, just stupid! I wouldn’t want my son to get the idea to do something anywhere similar. I have already known two who died on motorcycles — one of them was riding a dirt bike on a pile of dirt in a construction site. My brother is permanently handicapped because of a motorcycle accident. I don’t think I liked this video as an encouragement for fearlessness.
That said, yes, I think God calls us to be fearless when we are walking in his will. I heard this morning that a pastor in… I think it is Afghanistan, but it might be Iran… is under arrest for renouncing Islam and professing and preaching Christ, and he is sentenced to death for it. Now that, in my opinion, is fearlessness. I thanked God for his courageousness, but at the same time I did thank God that I personally have never had to make such decisions. It feels like courage, in the US, just to profess a pro-life stance, or to hold to Biblical views of creation.
I love following your blog. Thank you for sharing your family and your walk with all your readers. I think I’ll go read to my son about Napoleon now… 🙂
Love this! I’m with you – I think that there is a sort of tone or culture with homeschooling moms to be polite, understanding, excessively humble, cautious, perhaps apologetic..