Countdown to Africa

Ben and Michal leave for Africa in two weeks. I'm sure this will be a harder farewell for the Bayly family than it is for us since they have enjoyed having them nearby.

I am so excited about this opportunity for Ben and Michal. They will be working with an mission agency, helping to develop self-sustaining orphanages in South Africa and, possibly, Zambia. They will be listening to hear if the Lord is calling them into this work full-time.

Ben and Michal, I wish we could see you before you go so that we could put our arms around you and bless you on your way. But, you know you go with our prayers and blessings to discover God's future for your life. We entrust you to His never-failing care and providence with our love.

Procrastination

I've had my school books for the coming year for several weeks now. In bits and spurts I've been working on "classroom procedures and policies" and lesson plans. I've come to the conclusion that there is no way for me to be amply prepared for September. I need to get up to speed on Latin; select the key people and events of the Middle Ages and Renaissance that I really want to highlight (beside famous artists); learn how to teach Shurley grammar; and write 3 lectures for each of 16 biology modules. So, am I motivated by all this work to get up early in the morning and burn the midnight oil? Do I work all day long, studying and preparing?

I have discovered that what I suspected all along is true. I am miserable at making myself do in advance what needs to be done for the future. My unspoken motto has been "Don't do today what you can put off for tomorrow."

I wish there was a positive, spiritual message to end this post. I wish I could tell you how I have pulled myself up with determination and self-discipline. But, the message would be false. So, instead, I will confess my sins and faults; ask you to pray for me; and resolve, with the Lord's help, to pick myself up and do the next thing.