Dishing Up Devotions for Homeschooling FamiliesSample

Let Your Joy Overflow

The first day of school is often filled with delight. I feel hopeful and anticipate a wonderful new year. After all, I have meticulously planned and prepared. Everything is color-coordinated. My planner is beautiful, with fun stickers and six weeks’ worth of lessons laid out. 

I think I’m going to be an amazing teacher this year. I’ll be patient and kind, and my kids will love every minute of it. We will do fun activities and go on many educational adventures. 

Inevitably, our perfectly laid plans give way to the harsh realities of homeschool life. Many of us begin questioning our decision to homeschool within those first few hours. Others may find the honeymoon period lasts a while before it wears off. Either way, we often have to contend for our joy as the year progresses.

If we allow our thoughts and feelings to dictate our joy, we will never lead a joyful life. As we obey God and remain in His love, consistently meditating on His promises and incomprehensible love for us, our joy will overflow and strengthen us. 

I’ve learned nothing releases joy quicker than praising and worshipping Jesus. When I feel frustrated, or my kids need a break, we take a five- or ten-minute praise party pause. I crank up the worship music, and we sing and dance together. It’s hard to remain discouraged or frustrated when you shout praises and sing about the love and faithfulness of Jesus.

As our kids witness our joy in the midst of difficulties, they learn it is possible to remain joyful as a state of being. Our kids can learn from a young age to choose joy, release joy, and walk in joy. And as they do, their lives will release the power of joy to others. 

Family Activity

To create joy goggles, you can make your own, or purchase fun glasses or sunglasses with colored lenses. Sometimes we just need to put on our joy goggles to change our perspective and help us to see circumstances through a different lens—a heavenly perspective. Ask your family questions like, “What thoughts am I having?” and “What do I have to be thankful for right now?” Identify any negative thoughts and align them with the truth of God’s Word. As we live for God, we can experience joy in even the most difficult circumstances.