VOICE OF TRUTH FOR TODAY
A Beautiful Mess
When I began homeschooling my children, I quickly realized I wasn’t just teaching math, reading, and science.
I was shaping hearts.
As parents, we often underestimate the influence God has entrusted to us. Our children watch how we respond to stress, how we speak to others, how we handle disappointment, and how we pursue the Lord. Long before they remember our lessons, they’ll remember our example.
I’ve noticed something over the years. When I walk into our schoolroom exhausted and discouraged, it doesn’t take long for the entire atmosphere to change. Frustration spreads. Patience disappears. Suddenly everyone seems to be having a difficult day.
But when I intentionally choose joy and peace, the atmosphere changes just as quickly.
It reminds me that, as parents, we’re often the thermostat—not the thermometer.
Early in our homeschooling journey, God led me to Psalm 127:3–4: “Children are a heritage from the Lord… Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth.”
That passage changed my perspective. I wasn’t simply raising children. I was preparing arrows.
My husband and I decided our greatest goal wasn’t academic success alone. More than anything, we wanted to raise children who know who they are in Christ, love God wholeheartedly, and love people well.
Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart and to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–39).
Those words became the vision for our family.
Whether you’re homeschooling or simply raising children, never underestimate your influence. Ask God to show you the vision He has for each child He’s entrusted to your care. Then faithfully point them toward Him—one ordinary, beautiful, sometimes messy day at a time.
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Excerpt from Voice of Truth Magazine
“A Beautiful Mess” by Jessica Prukner