There we were in the middle of the large home improvement store, my feet aching and my somewhat patient children getting more than somewhat hungry. This had been more time-consuming than I thought it would be.

We were going from aisle to aisle as my husband was asking me more questions for which I didn't know the answers. "What color would you like for the cabinets?" or "What about this whole piece for the tub instead of porcelain?" I even had a few questions myself, for example: "Are we doing improvements on all these rooms at the same time?" As my husband answered in the affirmative, I realized that this was the first trip of who knows how many. Plus, family history dictated that our projects would take ten times longer than most folks take simply because our life as a family of ten is extra busy. I saw an inkling of how much time would really be involved, and I began to see how much more this project would disrupt our regular lives. But for the joy set before me (ridding our house of rusted sinks and dirty carpet), I would be hard pressed to be thankful for the disruption, not to mention the many trips with aching feet.

Home improvements can create a more beautiful home, but in the process what is broken needs to be repaired and what is standing in the way of progress needs to be torn down. What is unnecessary needs to be removed and what is dirty needs to be cleaned. Research needs to be done and money needs to be spent. Although it takes a lot of time and energy, the end result is worth the investment.

Now let's look at three areas of home improvement: the improvement of our physical homes, our homeschools, and our spiritual homes. There is much correlation between the three and often plenty of improvements are needed!

Prayer

Before running full steam ahead on any ideas or plans, we must really seek the Lord. I have read that home improvement projects can be very stressful for families and marriages. So, as we go, we must continue to pray for God's guidance, wisdom, and provision.

Our homeschools also need to be handled with prayer. Prayer for God's vision and His priorities for each child are important. If we have prayed that God's purposes would be fulfilled in each day of our homeschool, it is a freeing place to be when that interruption comes, for we know that the interruption has been divinely appointed. Praying over and for our children helps us see them as God sees them, and we can gain new insight into God's design.  

Just like our homes and our homeschools, we need to focus prayerfully on our personal relationship with the Lord. Where do I need to change? Where do I need to invest my time? What needs to be replaced or torn down in my life? How can I build up my own home? All the answers come by prayer and seeking God's wisdom. I was telling one of my children today that God desires a two-way relationship. This one-way business of praying only at meals and Bible studies has got to go. We converse with the ones we love all day. We need to purpose that God will be on that list too; we are to give Him the same attention and time we give others, if not more. This is where change begins and where abundant life is cultivated.