Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

"Stop the world—I want to get off!" Do you have a lot to do and little time to do it in? On today's Home School Heartbeat, Mike Smith encourages us to stay focused on the most important things—and the rest will fall into place.

Mike Smith:
Being a homeschool mom is like holding down three jobs: wife, mother, and teacher. How can moms successfully meet the demands of each role?

The Gospel of Mark tells an important story. Jesus had begun His ministry. News of Him was spreading throughout Capernaum (where He was staying), and after sunset, the whole town gathered at his door with the sick and the demon-possessed.

After a late night spent healing people, Jesus arose before dawn and found a lonely place to pray. Soon, His disciples tracked Him down. "Everyone is looking for you!" they said.

What was Jesus' response? He didn't tell the disciples to go away until He was done praying. He didn't return to the town to continue healing people. Instead, He responded, "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come" (Mark 1:38, NIV).

Like the homeschool mom who experiences competing demands for her attention, Jesus was sought after by many different types of people. The sick and the needy wanted to be healed. Jesus' disciples wanted direction. But Jesus was aware of the big picture. "That is why I have come," He told His disciples, and made a game plan based upon His awareness of God's purpose in His life.

Moms, you can bring balance back to your life by remembering your purpose-the responsibilities God has given you-and investing your time and energy in achieving that purpose.

And until next time, I'm Mike Smith.