The past few weeks have taken us all on an unchartered journey.  As families, living together all of the time is something that requires much grace. Increased parental involvement in the education of our children has also brought about new routines and new challenges in our homes. Here are 3 ways to embrace grace and establish a new rhythm in your home during this time.

Balance 

Schedule your day out, but do not be too rigid about it. Start your day with prayer and devotional time as a family. This will set the tone for your day. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3 Set times for meals, play, work, schooling and bedtime. Be sure not to over structure your day! Make sure there are times for breaks and fun! Keep an eye on your work schedule as well. It is very tempting to work well past your normal office hours without the transition from work to home. Create a family schedule together on a poster and hang it up for everyone to see! 

Be Active

Make sure you get outdoors and keep yourself and your children physically active. It’s so important to get fresh air and some vitamin D. Enjoy God’s creation. Take a walk, a hike, have a bonfire. Do your devotions outside. It’s amazing how these can brighten your day. As a bonus, you will all get added endorphins and lower your stress level by keeping active! Job 12:7-10 says, “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, …In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”

Be Flexible 

Realize that learning at home is not the same as learning at school. It will take time. Focus on the basics; math, reading, writing, grammar. Use everyday life experiences to incorporate these subjects. Make dinner and dessert together as a family to practice math skills. Take turns reading your Bible and devotional out loud to reinforce reading. Have your children write letters and keep a journal to keep their writing skills sharp. Most of all, give yourself grace during this time. “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

This is an amazing opportunity for all of us to focus on our number one ministry, OUR FAMILY! We now have the time to learn about them in new ways and fill our home with peace, love, joy and GRACE!