Staying Captivated: A God-Breathed Journey

About a year into our new life adventure in Scotland…believe it or not, I was getting bored. I was really having trouble staying captivated and engaged.  We were renting a house with almost no garden space. It was small compared to what we had in the United States, so keeping it tidy was not the constant job it had been in the past. And, the kids were growing up. I was doing more chauffeuring to activities than helping kids read or memorize math facts. I was bored. 

Staying Captivated

I was quickly becoming a home school facilitator inspiring independent learning in my kids. It was satisfying and exciting to see them gravitate toward their passions and to help them really embrace their learning.  But, I need something for me…Especially on the dark days of winter in Scotland. 

I was passionate about staying captivated with the world around me, but it was a challenge in the winter when the sun was literally setting at 3 pm. So I decided to start a blog.  

Somehow we came upon the name Captivating Compass. I don’t quite remember how.  My heart was captivated by the Scottish Highlands, the castles and the green fields dotted with sheep. My GPS was my best friend. I was constantly saying “How did people get around this place before GPS?!” or “This doesn’t make any sense at all, even with GPS!”  

Perhaps my constant need for a compass and basic orienteering skills those first years in Scotland made an indelible mark on me. I definitely need a compass in my life. Don’t we all?

It all got me thinking about where I wanted my kids to point their compass in life.

I so want my children’s heart to be captivated and lead by

• truth, 
• honor,
• and justice. 

But most of all …love.  

I want each of our hearts to fall in love with our Creator time and time again as we gaze upon this world only He could breathe into being with such creativity.  

I could have gone with “Gob-Smacked Globetrotters” as a blog name but…

The image it conjures is one of whimsy rather than the passionate pursuit of the good things in life only found in learning, reflecting and exploring the world around us together. 

Using the world as our textbook and staying captivated has become the hallmark of what Captivating Compass is all about. I hope you’ll join as we continue our journey.

You can read about how we failed and succeeded all at the same time here.