As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Saturday, November 23, 2013

Enough


Oh my. These past few months have brought ups and downs, rejoicing and weeping, strength and weakness, joy and sorrow...all, I believe, from the hand of a loving Lord. And I am learning that "enough" is the right choice for me at this season.  

This week, I decided to move into what I am calling our Holiday/Emergency School Schedule. Together, we will have Bible reading, Bible memory, and reading from our current history book, Abraham Lincoln's World. On her own, Bekah will do math and her assigned reading (either literature or history), as well as practice piano. We are skipping poetry, composer study, picture study, daily vocabulary and grammar exercises, geography, and science. There may be days that some of those things get done, but the goal is to complete the Holiday/Emergency School schedule each day. 

For now, it is enough.  


If you have known me very long, you know that I love, love, love Thanksgiving. And I love decorating for Thanksgiving and planning different themes and place cards and table settings every year. But this year. This year I am not ready. The plans I had for the children's table were too ambitious for this busy season. I never settled on a theme for the adult tables. I have not been able to focus. Last night, as we were eating carryout food, I remarked that I had no idea what I was going to have on the Thanksgiving tables. "I might just use this," I kind of joked as I pointed to the candle centerpiece that has been on my kitchen table all of autumn. And then Kati said, "Why not?" And I thought, "Why not?" And suddenly  it seemed like just the right thing. 

It is enough. 


Our Thanksgiving guests are arriving today. There are no make-ahead dishes in the freezer. No tempting cake in the cake dome. Clean sheets will be put on at the last possible minute. Okay, full confession...dusting and vacuuming will be done at the last possible minute too. But I have given myself permission to simplify. And our guests are soooo accommodating, so easy-to-please. We will eat simple food and linger over coffee and cookies. (Hooray for two batches of cookies made this week!) We will talk and laugh and probably cry. We will watch the kids play. We will celebrate together. 

And it will be enough. More than enough.


It is not the season for perfect. For getting it all done. For a Martha Stewart holiday. For checking everything on the to-do list. 

It is the season of enough. 


And in this season, if (when) I am called to do hard things, to live hard things, to glorify Him in painful circumstances, He is enough. 

When I am at the end of my resources, when I am not sure which step to take next, He is enough.

Whether the path is busy or bumpy or bleak, He is enough, more than enough.


* * *


I am stepping away from my blog for a few days because this season demands my focus. But before I go, I want to wish you a blessed Thanksgiving! May you count your blessings and may your heart be filled with praise to the Giver!  



17 comments:

  1. Cheryl, your words about "enough" immediately brought to mind the hymn of Gerhard TerSteegen, entitled "The Inheritance" and quoted by our beloved Amy Carmichael ...

    Am I not enough, Mine own? enough, Mine own, for thee?

    Hath the world its palace towers,
    Garden glades of magic flowers,
    Where thou fain wouldst be?
    Fair things and false are there,
    False things but fair.
    All shalt thou find at last,
    Only in Me.

    Am I not enough, Mine own? I, forever and alone,
    I, needing thee?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cheryl, in searching for the words to "The Inheritance", I found another hymn by TerSteegen. It's a new one to me, but the words are searching. It is called "The Task" and is based on Phil. 3:7 ....

    To learn, and yet to learn, whilst life goes by,
    So pass the student's days;
    And thus be great, and do great things, and die,
    And lie embalmed with praise.


    My work is but to lose and to forget,
    Thus small, despised to be;
    All to unlearn--this task before me set;
    Unlearn all else but Thee.

    ReplyDelete
  3. GREAT post! HE is enough ~ AMEN! Enjoy your holiday!

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is a great post. It's a good reminder that we don't have to set the bar really high and then drive ourselves bonkers trying to get over the bar. Focus on what is really important - each other! Best wishes for a Thanksgiving filled with laughter and love.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cheryl, while our circumstances are different, it sounds like you and I have been having similar seasons emotionally. Have a wonderful, relaxing, happy thanksgiving!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. It will be blessed and lovely no matter what does or does not get "done." I know this because He is The Source of all supply. Do you need beauty? He will provide. Do you need food? It will be there. Do you need a substitute teacher? Yes, He will do that, too. Oh the things Bekah will learn! And when you lie down to rest, He will give His beloved sleep. You can count on it. Much love to you and your precious family. Enjoy these days of being together.

    ReplyDelete
  7. You sound wise and you express it all beautifully. Simple is good. And your kids are watching and learning so much from what you are learning and how you are changing. Take time to rest and time for yourself, it will be banking future energy for you when you get older!

    ReplyDelete
  8. And have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Will be interested in hearing your perspective after it's over!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Cheryl, this post touched my heart. It is so wise, what a wise and wonderful woman you are. Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving with your family. Wishing you peace and joy, and I just know your day will be wonderful. xo

    ReplyDelete
  10. Yes, dear Cheryl, Yes!

    You're Thanksgiving will be wonderful and filled with precious memories. That is all that is needed. It is enough.

    Love you and yours! Happy Thanksgiving!

    Deanna

    ReplyDelete
  11. Enough. He gives us enough for each day.
    Enough grace.
    Enough strength.
    Enough wisdom.
    Enough.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Very wise words, Cheryl. May you have a very Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Indeed He is more than enough, Cheryl, I so relate to this post, May your Thanksgiving celebration be filled with precious memories, both shared and tucked away in your hearts to be drawn from in many years to come!
    Hugs,
    Sue

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love this post, Cheryl. It is exactly this "Perfectly Enough" spirit I would like for our family and friends to experience this week as they gather in our home.
    Thank you for shaking me out of my "gotta do" frenzy and reminding me to be content in all things and focus on The One who gives us cause to be thankful.

    p.s. Love the new header here on Thinking About Home - Beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wise words indeed from you dear Cheryl! Enjoy your loved ones this Thanksgiving! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your post today reminds me of the miracle of the "Loaves and Fishes." As you give yourself "permission" I am also giving myself permission - and feeling more easy about it. Thank you.
    God will multiple what we give over to Him.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I loved this post and than you for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...