A firm foundation

(originally posted on my main blog, but I wanted to post it for my homeschooling blog as well)

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

Matthew 7:24-27

I have been pondering these verses for the last few days. My head is filled with thoughts, decisions, and prayers as I read this text. I'll see if I can make any sense of it here on my blog.

Jesus is the firm foundation I want my children to build their lives upon. I want my children to be the like wise man who hear His words and put them into practice. Of course, that means learning His Word and putting it into practice daily in our home.

But I fear that too often I get focused on the wrong materials for them to use as a foundation. I am amazingly distracted by the things of this world.

Currently I am planning their 2009-2010 school year. I am truly excited about some of the ideas I have and can't wait to begin a year with some experience under my belt. But I find myself getting wrapped up in goals and standards of the world.

Shouldn't they study some classical composers? At what point will be begin Latin? I know their friends have learned things we haven't yet.

And what about sports? K (age 6) is going to be great at swim team and I know T (age 4) is going to love soccer. Do we begin this year or next? Do I really make them pick just one? But what if they are good at more than that?

And even worse, I begin to feel that tiny voice of pride as I plan their year. My plans begin to make me "feel good" about the wonderful knowledge MY kids will have.

And so it goes...

Until I hear the voice of God gently reminding me to build their foundation on HIM and not things that are temporal.

Luke 21:33, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."

It's not that Latin, classical music, artistic pursuits, sports, or anything I ponder are bad things. In fact, they are great things and God may use my children in MIGHTY ways as they pursue these various pursuits. But without a foundation built on the knowledge of and obedience to His Word, then they are in danger of a foundation that is easily swept away.

And as I was pondering these things, I came across this post at A Holy Experience. It made me begin to think eve more about these things.

I have no clue how Satan will attack my children, but I know that he will. I don't know what weaknesses He will find in their hearts, but like my own weaknesses, he will use them to whisper lies about God and themselves. He will tempt them and distract them from the pursuit of their God given callings.

I have no clue what tragedies may strike during their livetimes. Will death come close to home for them? Will they experience heartbreak, loss, wounded pride, anxiety, or deep hurt?

I am sure they will. We live in a fallen world. Satan will attack. Tragedy will come. Heartbreak, dissappointment, and failure will be part of their lifetime and their life stories.

Will they be ready? Will their foundation be solid? Will they be able to hear His voice whispering words of truth and purpose into their lives or will have built a foundation on things that will be washed away, leaving them lost, confused, and in doubt of God?

It will not be the history songs they memorized, their ability to diagram a sentence, or the sports trophies that will bring them securely and confidently through life's storms.

It is God and their obedience to His Word.

Right now, I can't help but prayerfully ponder how I will encourage them to be truly ready.