Cures for Cabin Fever!
By Tamara Eaton
Cabin
Fever:"A condition of increased tension, boredom, blahs, etc. caused
by living for some time in a confined space or an isolated area, especially
in winter."
After three weeks of steady rain, I'm beginning to think
we should consider "boat-schooling" instead of home-schooling--and
preferably in Hawaii! The younger children are suffering from a lack
of outdoor exercise and their pent-up energy and crankiness can be
contagious. It's time for spiritual refreshment and practical ideas--
sure cures for cabin fever!
SPIRITUAL REFRESHMENT
I love what Andrew
Murray had to say to parents about teaching their children and it
still applies to parents of our generation. (Here he was teaching
from Deuteronomy 6:1,2,5-7)
1. Instruct With All Your Heart!
"Parental
instruction must come from the heart. We all know that instruction
has little influence on children when given by an apathetic teacher...."
"When
the work of instructing the children becomes a burden, you may be
sure it is an indication of something wrong within your own heart.
Your love for God in heaven, or the delight in His Word, has been
fading. When you need more energy to joyfully perform your work, you
must only turn to the words that reveal the secret of a godly education.
Then, you will experience an unspeakable blessing in the wisdom that
connects the heart's secret love with the mouth's spoken words:
"Thou
shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart. And these words shall
be in thy heart. And thou shalt teach them to thy children. "
2. Instruct
With Diligence!
"Parental instruction must also be diligent and earnest:
"Thou
shalt diligently teach them unto thy children"..."
"He [the parent]
must carefully consider how he can best gain both the child's understanding
and affections. He does this by making the most of opportunities and
activities in which the child is interested. The parent must also
learn the art of speaking in the spirit of love. His whole life must
be an attractive example of what he has taught. There is nothing that
drives home the word of instruction like a consistent and holy life."
3.
Instruct With Perseverance!
"Parental instruction must be persevering
and continuous.:
"Thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,
and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when
thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest
up."
The entrance of divine truth into the mind and heart, the formation
of habit and the training of character, are not attained by sudden
and isolated efforts, but by regular and unceasing repetition...."
"....The
parental instruction was not to be at set times and stated in formal
lectures. The whole life with all its duties has to be interwoven
with the lessons of God's presence and God's service. With a heart
full of God's love and God's Word, the ordinary activities of daily
life help to lead youthful hearts toward heaven."
To those who would
object that all this speaking and instruction would tire and alienate
our children, Andrew Murray says: "Parents will receive wisdom from
on high and be guided to know when and how to speak to their children.
Love will influence their children's hearts and find a willing and
listening ear when others would only grow weary!"
A Parent's
Prayer
"Lord, give me wisdom and grace to be the teacher of my children
that You would have me to be. I see how You do not permit any other
to assume the parent's position. You have appointed me the first and
most important teacher. Fill our hearts with Your love and Your Word.
Help us to sharpen Your words deep into our children's hearts. Help
us all the day long to walk in Your love and presence, and influence
our children for You. In Jesus' Name, Amen."
[Taken from Raising Your
Children For Christ by Andrew Murray (1828-1917) ]
