I am in shock. When I asked God in December what He would like from me this Christmas/New Year, I discerned two things. Number 1, He wanted me to get uncomfortable for Him - go serve those I've been reluctant to serve. And Number 2, break out my love of language and get writing.
The first - well, He knew that was way over my head and promptly surrounded me with families that would take ours into that venture. And it has been a blessing beyond belief, for all of us. Making me hungry for more.
The second - ooooh boy. I couldn't seem to find the time. Or the inspiration. I wasn't sure what He wanted from me, but I knew pushing it on my own power wasn't going to work out. It never does, at least, not for me
So I waited. As it turns out, not very long.
In the meantime, I have been looking for a bible study for my kids for next year. We've read the Bible through twice already - once with a child's bible from DK (Food equivalent: Milk) and then the ABC Bible Verses (Applesauce) followed by Catherine Vos' excellent Bible Stories for Children (soft cheese).
I've been looking and looking and looking for a study that goes across the cannons (OT and NT) and teaches us something about the nature and character for Jesus. I don't want to study Jonah or Acts (much as I love both those books); having read through the Bible, I'm strongly called to show them how nothing in the OT happens apart from preparing the way for Jesus.
Who also happens to be my best friend.
I've been asking for recommendations for a cross-cannon book at the 6-10 year old level. For ideas of where to look. For suggestions from friends, bloggers and fellow homeschoolers. I've perused my favorite online bookstores, at length. And I've gotten the same response more than once: "Maybe you are supposed to write that book?"
I had an idea to write a book about fire (burning bush! Elijah's chariot! The consuming fire of Aaron's sons!), but when I ran that idea by my best friend, He clearly told me "Nope, that's what I have in mind."
This Sunday, He revealed the theme to me. And I'm writing this to remind myself that, as far as I now I understand, this is a divine appointment and charge. It will get hard. And perhaps tedious. The initial excitement will wear off and the slog through the sloughs will come. It will be, at times, like drinking vinegar. But if vinegar was good enough for my best friend in his worst hour, I can certainly embrace it and persevere.
God be with me. God, be with me. God be, with me.
