Table Talk: Snow Renewal
TABLE TALK
Table Talk is meant to help unify, clarify, and solidify the important work and culture of RCA.
SNOW RENEWAL
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
At the start of this new year, snow has fallen from the heavens, blanketing a lot of the country in white. It’s difficult not to marvel at the beauty and peace it brings. Snow reminds us of God’s promise of forgiveness and renewal (see Isaiah 1:18). Just as each flake is unique, yet part of a larger, breathtaking landscape, so too are we as God’s children — distinct individuals called to be part of a greater whole: the body of Christ.
For me, January and February are the hardest months of homeschooling. It is cold and my energy levels are low. Additionally, it is ALSO a time where, for whatever reason, I tend to conduct a brutal reflection of myself and an even more brutal evaluation of my homeschooling efforts. Having homeschooled for many years, I have learned how to wade through these moments with a blunt question: “Is homeschooling still working for us?”
If you find yourself doing the same type of reflection, allow me to offer you two gentle thoughts:
1. Your homeschool efforts are covered by grace. Whatever sin is muddying the waters of your work, the blood of Christ covers it. White as snow. Period. Let this truth renew you.
2. Call a homeschool friend. Talk it out. I beg you: do not evaluate your homeschool by yourself. It is a trap.
As the beauty of the these early winter months continue, I am reminded that snowflakes, on their own, are delicate and fragile. A single flake melts quickly, unable to withstand the elements alone. But when snowflakes gather together, they form something powerful — able to cover fields, transform landscapes, and even provide nourishment to the earth. This is a beautiful illustration of our need for community. No one needs community more than a homeschooler in the middle of winter! This is why Redwood exists. We need each other in every season but most desperately in winter.
Just as snow reminds us of God’s cleansing grace, may it also remind us of our need for one another. Because we know that the winter months can be difficult for any homeschooler, we are offering two opportunities to get connected with others. I highly encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities:
1. Our winter retreat at the end of February (27th & 28) at Shaw Nature Reserve.
2. Coffee for 4 — a time to talk “shop” with other RCA homeschoolers in similar age and stage.
A final reflection —
If you find yourself NOT struggling, but rather, in a position to support and provide encouragement to others, consier these engaging conversation starters:
God created us to live in community. Just as snow transforms the earth when it gathers, we too can make a powerful impact for God’s Kingdom when we unite in love and faith giving Him glory.
At the start of this new year, snow has fallen from the heavens, blanketing a lot of the country in white. It’s difficult not to marvel at the beauty and peace it brings. Snow reminds us of God’s promise of forgiveness and renewal (see Isaiah 1:18). Just as each flake is unique, yet part of a larger, breathtaking landscape, so too are we as God’s children — distinct individuals called to be part of a greater whole: the body of Christ.
For me, January and February are the hardest months of homeschooling. It is cold and my energy levels are low. Additionally, it is ALSO a time where, for whatever reason, I tend to conduct a brutal reflection of myself and an even more brutal evaluation of my homeschooling efforts. Having homeschooled for many years, I have learned how to wade through these moments with a blunt question: “Is homeschooling still working for us?”
If you find yourself doing the same type of reflection, allow me to offer you two gentle thoughts:
1. Your homeschool efforts are covered by grace. Whatever sin is muddying the waters of your work, the blood of Christ covers it. White as snow. Period. Let this truth renew you.
2. Call a homeschool friend. Talk it out. I beg you: do not evaluate your homeschool by yourself. It is a trap.
As the beauty of the these early winter months continue, I am reminded that snowflakes, on their own, are delicate and fragile. A single flake melts quickly, unable to withstand the elements alone. But when snowflakes gather together, they form something powerful — able to cover fields, transform landscapes, and even provide nourishment to the earth. This is a beautiful illustration of our need for community. No one needs community more than a homeschooler in the middle of winter! This is why Redwood exists. We need each other in every season but most desperately in winter.
Just as snow reminds us of God’s cleansing grace, may it also remind us of our need for one another. Because we know that the winter months can be difficult for any homeschooler, we are offering two opportunities to get connected with others. I highly encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities:
1. Our winter retreat at the end of February (27th & 28) at Shaw Nature Reserve.
2. Coffee for 4 — a time to talk “shop” with other RCA homeschoolers in similar age and stage.
A final reflection —
If you find yourself NOT struggling, but rather, in a position to support and provide encouragement to others, consier these engaging conversation starters:
- How can I pray for you?
- How can I serve you?
- Where is your discouragement causing you to have a posture of self-reliance (which is idolatrous)? What areas of your homeschool are being forged with clenched fists, grasping, and or grappling?
- In what areas do you need to confess and repent of your lack of faith or unbelief?
- How can God’s story bring you perspective?
God created us to live in community. Just as snow transforms the earth when it gathers, we too can make a powerful impact for God’s Kingdom when we unite in love and faith giving Him glory.
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