My Life Is A Pilgrimage--A Thanksgiving Moment

Sometimes life is a challenge.  

Whether it's homeschooling, managing a house full of little ones, or pushing through morning sickness, there are just seasons that are more trying than others.

Today has been one of those trying days.  It's a Monday.  It's the day after a long break.  And it's a day I want to crawl back into bed and magically wake up with happy, routine-following, eager-to-learn kiddos.

But I know it's never that easy.  First comes some self-denial and discipline on my own part...and a cry out to God for help in the form of fresh perspective.

Well, the Lord faithfully brought me some perspective this morning!...and I wanted to share it with you all!

Recently I read an article in a homeschooling magazine about the legacy of Thanksgiving Day and as I reflected on it this afternoon (stirring a pot of mac & cheese with much grumbling) the Lord broke through to me...

Remember the Pilgrims.  

The Pilgrims arrived in a new land totally unfamiliar to them.  In fact, there was nothing comfortable, easy or familiar about their experiences in this new world.  They faced many struggles and trials to say the least--many of them died in the process of settling in America...not to mention how they struggled with hunger, grief, fear and even probably doubt.

But aren't we thankful they persevered?!

They had no idea how their sacrifices would bless an entire nation.  

The Pilgrims couldn't see the future, but they trusted that all the hard work and heartache wasn't in vain.

And just look at where their steadfastness has brought us!  

Sometimes the season of sowing is long and exhausting.  Sometimes I feel like giving up when I don't see signs of the harvest.  Sometimes I need to remember the Pilgrims--their voyage, their endurance and even their God.

Because their God is my God too.

I may not see the fruit of all my labor right now, but I know that scripture is true and that my God is Faithful.

So in the trying seasons of this life, I'll hold onto hope, that as I obey, He is working.

And I'll continue in my pilgrimage of homeschooling knowing that the Lord has plans for all these little Pilgrims that He has entrusted me with...

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

Jeremiah 29:11