Episode #24: A prayer for the mom deciding what to do about school next year

Some of you have already made decisions about what to do for school next year. Some of you are currently making a choice. And some of you have second-guessed, triple-guessed, and quadruple-guessed the decision you submitted.  Wherever you are in the school-decision process, this prayer is for you.  Friend, if you've said to yourself:  "I feel pulled in two directions right now." OR "A lot can change in six weeks, so I don't know what to do. " OR "Anxiety is my middle name these days." Listen in.  Dear God, We are worrying. We wish for more control. We want more information. We scour the internet for news. We ask our friends what they are doing. We make lists outlining the benefits and drawbacks. But God, we need more than a pro/con list. We need your presence and your counsel.  So we stand on 2 Chronicles 20:12: "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you." God, even if we make the "wrong" choice, you are holding our hands. Yes, we may stumble through all of this, but we will not fall. You never guaranteed a smooth, easy road. You promised your presence. And we rest that where you say you'll be, you'll be. So be with us. Hold us together.  God, we ask for 5 gifts from you today. God, we ask for wisdom.  We are inundated by information and contradictory opinions so we're left unsure. We are also overwhelmed by emotions: fear, impatience, irritation, and worry. Do not let our emotions drive us into making a rash decision. Give us your wisdom. Then once we have it, help us to apply it to our specific situation for the betterment of our kids.  God, we ask for acceptance. Will you give us the gift of acceptance of the fact that our choice may not be the same choice as others, and that's okay? Help us to be kind, gentle, and understanding to every decision and person. People are wired differently. That what works for our friends may not work for us.  Give us a heart that accepts the choices of others, even if we don't understand them. Help us to respond in kindness when others don't approve of our choices. God, we ask for contentment. We want to be content whether we are homeschooling or in-person schooling. We want to be content whether we have all the answers or just enough for the next right step. We want to be content whether we feel tapped out or whether we feel energized.  God, we ask for power. So God if we've ever said, "I'm not a good teacher" Or "I could never homeschool" Or "I will worry all day about the germs they're exposed to at school." Or "Is this the right choice? Am I making it worse?" Will you show us what is true? Will you remind us that you did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind? You give us what we need, to do the job you've asked us to do. Finally, God, we ask for focus. Keep our eyes on the race you marked before us. The race that includes: Caring for our people Making the best decisions for each, individual child And taking one step closer to you It will take your divine help for us to not grow weary during this race Jesus. Give us what we need for today to stay focused on what kind of moms we want to be, and to make decisions from a healthy place. Grant us your favor. Pour out your blessing on us mamas. Lavish us with everything we need to live the life you've called us to live. Amen. Key Quotes God, we need more than a pro/con list. We need your presence and your counsel.  It will take your divine help for us to not grow weary during this race Jesus. Give us what we need for today to stay focused on what kind of moms we want to be and to make decisions from a healthy place. Previous Episodes Mentioned Bonus Episode #10: Decision-Making in Hard Seasons: Remember the Truth Bonus Episode #11: Decision: Making in Hard Seasons: You have an all-access pass Episode #20: Making decisions in hard seasons: When you want certainty and your brain feels full Episode #21: Decision-Making in Hard Seasons: Did I really hear from God or is that just me? Here's how to connect GraceInRealLifePodcast.com Instagram Facebook group Facebook page Subscribe to Jill's weekly "the good + the grace" email Inner Critic Challenge