How were your first few weeks of school? Did everything go as planned? Did you have to tweak your schedule? Are you in a routine now?

Our first couple of weeks were rather unusual. You see, it was the first time we were schooling with a young toddler and dealing with middle school. And somehow, all my plans that looked so good on paper didn’t quite make it when they were translated to real life. My toddler wanted to join us at the “big” table. But her idea of school was pulling the books off the table as quickly as the others could pick them up and put them back. While I tried to teach my older one, my toddler excelled in exploring things and places she shouldn’t--so quite a bit of my time was spent containing my toddler or trying to.

With the more intense pace of middle school, our school days grew longer. Then as our various activities began, I felt I was on a merry-go-round, rushing, everyone wanting a piece of me, living in the urgent. I could barely keep up with life—home, school, caring for an aging mother, Bible study, support groups, co-op…Whew. Was I crazy? How was I going to manage everything?

“Lower your expectations of yourself,” my husband advised. “Take time for what’s important.”

As we try to do everything we feel we’re responsible for as homeschooling parents, take time for to prayerfully prioritize. So what’s important?

Time with God: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing” John 15:5, NLT. I need Him. Even though my life can get hectic and crazy, I need to set aside regular time for the Lord. It’s not only about reading my Bible and praying it’s about sitting at His feet; delighting in His presence; listening to His voice and reveling in His love.

As I wait on Him, and seek Him, He will show me what is important from his perspective, and help me rearrange my schedule to reflect His will. As I find in Him my refuge, He will empower me to do all He calls me to do. “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.” Isaiah 40: 31, NLT.

Next month, I’ll give you a glimpse into a few more items on my “What’s Really Important List.” But in the meantime, what about you? How were your first few weeks of school? And, what’s really important to you? I’d love to hear from you.