Why You Need a Bounce House: Or Joy for the Weary Soldier

"I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my.... homeschool!" Do you?

To the homeschool moms: Is your homeschool full of joy? Does this fruit of the Spirit shine brightly through you?

Recently while working on my laptop alone at one of my favorite chicken sandwich fast food chains (the one closed on Sundays), I became very intrigued with the sight in front of me. There were children, lots of barefooted and noisy children, playing happily inside the play area behind a separate glass. It dawned on me that although I was content working alone and uninterrupted with my earbuds in (what many consider a golden moment), I was not experiencing the emotion that was on the faces of the children in front of me.

See a previous post HERE about joy.

After a long, very exhausting week homeschooling my own children, I was sensing the burden of responsibilities that needed my attention. Don't get me wrong. As a soldier in the Lord's army, I understand my duty to serve my home and family faithfully and I take this duty on wholeheartedly.

But joy is something this weary soldier hadn't experienced in a long time. Furthermore, I wondered "Is joy even allowed on the spiritual battlefield?"

I most likely can't fit into the narrow spaces that fill that happy little play place inside the restaurant, but I was seriously considering booking a 2-hour "jump" all by myself at the nearest bounce house amusement center just to decompress from all my woes. (I've got digital coupons and the temptation is REAL!).

The children in front of me were actually laughing, connecting with other children, and had a sense of delight. In that moment, they were experiencing something that I was not. Joy! Joy- the fruit of the Spirit listed immediately after love in Galatians 5:22. Joy - the quality that should be shining so brightly through me but doesn't often enough.

My sweet mom friends, can you relate?

Scripture tells us the following about joy:

1. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12

2. When the cares of my heart are many,
your consolations cheer my soul. Psalm 94:19

3. This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

4. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

5. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8-9

6. Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. John 16:24

What had I been missing? Often my homeschool days are full of fueling up on the latest homeschool mom podcasts, researching online lesson plans, and recalling what ingredients are in my pantry to ensure I have solid dinner plans. This joy comes from fueling up on the Word of God, from spending time with Him, from recalling His goodness.

Can joy be found in your homeschool today? Here's a gentle word of encouragement: It's going to be found in your walk with the Lord first.

My homeschool mom friends: take the time to pursue the Lord's joy today! And booking a bounce house slot afterward is okay too! :)

Categories: : Christian, homeschool