If someone asked me what I wanted to do when I was a young adult I'd respond, "I want to change the world." Not in a large way, and not like the pageant contestants want world peace. Rather, I want to do something for the kingdom of God. For the past 16 years I've struggled to stay focused on this calling on my life to impact the world with the knowledge of the kingdom. For one, I'm mainly a homeschool mom, which by most modern opinions, isn't impactful. However, I am here to tell you that the most important thing that we as parents can do to impact the world with the kingdom of God is to raise God fearing and honoring people to seek out the kingdom.
Everyone knows the age-old saying "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world". We also know that we are running a marathon not a sprint. Our God calls us to raise our children for His kingdom and His glory. His kingdom is everlasting. If you're wondering how long it'll take home educators to change and impact the culture with their families, think on this: It took public education about 100 years to reap the fruits of segregated families without the help of God. It may take us 100 years to get our families back, but God is on our side!
So when someone asks me what my mid-life goals are, I'll respond more strongly and determined than ever, "I want to change the world". Because I stay home to build the kingdom of God in my family, and I teach to build the kingdom of God in my community, and I pray to build the kingdom of God in the world.
In case you're curious, check out the poem "The Hand that Rocks the Cradle Rules the World" by William Ross Wallace below:
Blessings on the hand of women!
Angels guard its strength and grace.
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place;
Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled,
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Infancy's the tender fountain,
Power may with beauty flow,
Mothers first to guide the streamlets,
From them souls unresting grow —
Grow on for the good or evil,
Sunshine streamed or evil hurled,
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Woman, how divine your mission,
Here upon our natal sod;
Keep – oh, keep the young heart open
Always to the breath of God!
All true trophies of the ages
Are from mother-love impearled,
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.
Blessings on the hand of women!
Fathers, sons, and daughters cry,
And the sacred song is mingled
With the worship in the sky —
Mingles where no tempest darkens,
Rainbows evermore are hurled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.