Are You Tired?

A Tired Schnoodle Puppy

I’m curled up on our couch right now with a warm schnoodle’s fluffy neck draped over my leg. Before us, a picture window brims with still, afternoon greenness, making me wonder over the contrast between such quietness and the rush that characterizes so much of life, especially my life as a homeschool mom.

High school years (our own and our teens’) seem to be full of striving.

Striving to choose the best courses. Striving to reach co-op on time. Striving for SAT scores, admission, scholarships.

Yet the Bible whispers, “It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest…for he gives to his beloved sleep.”

Sleep – ah, sleep. I love sleep. I think I’m not supposed to? But I get so tired.

“Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.”

Am I building my house, or is God? “I should have prayed more,” I think. I should pray more.

Because after all, how has any of the really important stuff happened in my life? Was I brought into a relationship with God through my own effort? Did my baptism cause Him to accept me as His child? Or my church attendance, donations, or brilliant homeschool craft projects? (Who am I kidding… I gave up on crafts after the salt dough map of Italy in 2004.)

Scripture is right when it says that my best efforts all “fall short.” On the scales of justice, they are feathers overwhelmed by the boulders of my rotten attitudes and repeated habit of going my own way instead of God’s. When I was reconciled with God, it was “not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.” Jesus did it, not me.

To pay the penalty my failures deserved, Jesus died for me, so that by trusting in Him, I would be forgiven, forever.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” No striving involved.

Have you trusted Him? Have you stopped relying on yourself to earn His approval, and instead accepted His gift of salvation?

“He gives to his beloved sleep.” We rest in his love, without anxiety, even as we are working hard in our calling as homeschool parents.

Not we, but He – He is the one who will build our house.

Thank you, Jesus.

Scripture references from the English Standard Version: Psalm 127:2, Psalm 127:1, Romans 3:23, Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:8-9.

Photo credit: Missy Fox