He tends His flock like a shepherd
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries them close to His heart.
He gently leads those that have young.
Isaiah 40: 11

What a wonderous verse. When I read this verse this morning I felt so comforted and encouraged. Of course Jesus as a shepherd is a familiar metaphor but why have I never noticed the last part of that verse?

' He gently leads those that have young.'

Wow! Thank you Lord! What encouragement.

Do you ever feel discouraged, inadequate? I do. Sometimes multiple times a day!
What a blessing to know that the Lord gently leads those that have young.
Don't you love to be treated gently? I know I do. When I am tired and drained to my last drop I need to be treated gently. It warms my spirit to think of the Lord gently leading me. He is such a great God isn't He?

Parenting is tough. Homeschooling is a challenge. Both are high callings and have eternal impact but no one can deny these paths can be difficult to walk sometimes, each with its own unique challenges. Isn't it wonderful to know that we moms have a special place in the Lord's heart, a special role to fill. It is so special that He even separates us ('those who have young') out to tell us in His Word that He will guide us gently, He will lead us. What a gift.

I don't have to worry about what to do with my son's math or how to work on the character problem that has been popping up lately. The Lord has the answers and He has promised to gently lead me. What comfort. Thank you Jesus.

Now. How do we accept this gift? How do we hear His leading? With few exceptions you can't...unless you ask, unless you spend time with Him. How else can you converse? Do you know what your friend is doing unless you talk to her? No!
It is the same with the Lord. In order to hear His voice, His leading you must spend some time listening. This can be in prayer or in the Word (or better yet both!).

It seems that Christian literature is filled with this seemingly 'broken record'. Spend time in the Word. Spend time with the Lord. 'Do these people really understand what I do all day??? How much there is to do and how little 'spare' time I have? I know they are right in theory but practically speaking I don't have the time or energy to spend with the Lord every day.' These were my thoughts on a number of occasions throughout the past 7+ years since I have been home with my kids. However, the answer to my questions is YES! They do understand and the advice still stands.

What I have to come to learn is that the more you do does not necessarily equate with making you more effective. Often it seems like WHAT you do is the key.Choose wisely how to spend your precious time.

If I take 15-20 minutes in the morning before my shower or after (depending on how awake I am...) or 20 min. at rest time in the afternoon I am much more productive during the day. I may not actually accomplish everything on my 'list'. Kids may cry and fight during the day. The house might be a mess at 4pm. However, I feel better about my day because I was fed that morning. I was nourished by the Living Water. I have my perspective. I connected with my Joy. I heard His gentle leading for my day. That list can be worked on again tomorrow and so can the house! :)

So take comfort today. Your Lord has a special place in His heart for you. He has promised to 'gently lead those of us with young'. He will guide our steps if only we listen. Take time today to have a chat with Him. Have some tea, have a cup of java! Relax together. Connect. It is the only way to communicate effectively. The only way to hear His gentle calling. His special words just for you and your family.