Did you know after World War II, the United States Navy maintained over 2,000 ships that made up our “Mothball Fleet”? Today, the Navy maintains approximately 100 ships in their “Mothball Fleet.” They are anchored in various harbors around the country and receive regular maintenance (to minimize rust) which allows them to be available in times of need such as a crisis or war. However, these ships are just “sitting there” so to speak, while the Navy continues to invest significant amounts of money into them. Coincidentally, many are anchored in Pearl Harbor; when I was stationed there, I would drive by them every day. It always struck me as a little sad to see the “Mothball Fleet” wasting away in the beautiful backdrop of Oahu.

I don’t know about you, but for me, 2020 seemed like a year in which COVID-19 caused us to be somewhat “mothballed.” Not due to any fault of our own, but rather, our state and county governments insisted on it. We were not allowed to worship like normal, and our kids were not able learn in person with friends at class days and at the Academy. At times, it even felt like the enemy was using COVID-19 as a means of isolating God’s people in an effort to weaken our faith.

Similarly, if you ask most pastors about their frustrations in ministry, they often mention there are too many in their congregation who are “mothballed.” Since Christ saved us from our sins, then out of love, we should be zealous to serve Him. As Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) If we are striving to be like Jesus, our focus should be to serve Him, and we can do so by serving others.

Don’t get me wrong…I’ve enjoyed being able to spend extra time with my family, and I feel we have grown closer this past year as a result. However, lately, I have heard God speaking to me and letting me know that now is a time for us to start looking outward instead of inward. Perhaps He has been telling you this too? I was reminded of what Paul wrote, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6: 9-10)

God wants all whom He has saved to serve Him wherever He places us. As homeschooling families, one way we choose to serve God is through our involvement in our children’s education. As we slowly transition back to a more socially active life; let’s do so, mindfully, looking for areas to volunteer and/or serve. One of the great aspects about Heritage Christian School is the variety of opportunities we have to get involved. As a parent; you can help out with a club or parent committee, be a club leader or coach, lead or assist at a class day, or attend one of the many seminars our school puts on to benefit our families. While this is not all inclusive, it provides ample opportunities to be further involved in our children’s education.

Understandably, our schedules can be a little overwhelming during this transition stage. We all feel it…after being home for such a long time, it’s hard to jump back into a busy schedule! Just as it took time to get used to staying home last spring, it’s only natural that it will be an adjustment as we return to some sense of normalcy. Still, I’d like to encourage our HCS families….as we carefully pull ourselves out of “mothballs,” to have a ministry mindset with your church family, your HCS family and your own family.