Don't Try This Alone

In Chapter 3, scriptures gives us the names of many men who are working on the wall. This phrase keeping repeating, "next to them". "Next to them," this person worked, "next to them," that person worked. Each worked at his task according to his gift and skill.

Many people have responded to God's call to homeschool and we work side-by-side, in our own houses, but we are next to others all across the country working toward the same goal of educating our children, according to our particular talents and expertise. In the book of Nehemiah, a huge crowd of men worked diligently and faithfully in their common goal of building the wall to protect the people.

We need others. I tend to prefer to work in isolation, but I am acknowledging my need for the fellowship and encouragement of other homeschooling moms. Our kids need to get together with other kids too. Yesterday a generous woman opened her home to five other moms and thirteen other children ranging in age from four to fourteen. The kids played outdoor group games (which homeschooled kids sometimes miss out on) and we moms shared laughs and good ideas. These events are easier to pull off in the summer, but I hope to continue to meet together regularly with other believers, not only in the faith, but also fellow wall-builders.

I'm reminded of the repeating phrase in Hebrews 11--"by faith". "By faith" these Biblical characters accomplished great things. Hebrews 12 begins with: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith..."