Many times, I post on social media fun pictures of the things my kids are doing and enjoying. Art projects, crafts, history projects, books and more. But, some days are not as fun and beautiful. I posted this week how while I was trying to teach, I had a preschooler and toddler yelling and screaming, and meanwhile I was trying to teach over them. It wasn't going so well, and I ended the post saying that homeschool is not always easy.
Today, the Homeschool Idaho magazine arrived. Normally I ignore the magazine, but this morning, our family had some down time, and I grabbed it with my coffee, and snuggled up in the recliner. Paragraph by paragraph, with many sweet interruptions, I read through it, and it was just what I needed.
One article was titled "5 Simple Solutions for Homeschooling Big Kids with Little Ones Underfoot" I laughed out loud when I saw the title. Perfect timing! One reminder was to start with the little ones. Spend 10-15 min at the beginning of the school day with them, and then their cup will be pretty full, and I'd be able to teach afterwards. I use to do that often last year, but that trick had escaped my mind in the chaos of this year. I will be starting that back up this week, in efforts to hopefully make our school day better. It also said to daily pray for patience and compassion. I admit, I don't pray daily for those things, but as I've been rising earlier the past few weeks, I've been spending time at my desk in prayer, and have written a sticky note to make sure I remember to pray for those things daily.
The next article that hit the nail on the head was one entitled "The Duh-Truth". The author said there were two times when she always wanted to reply "Duh" to people. WHen they said men and women are different and when they said homeschooling was hard. Everyone knows men and women are different, so stating that makes you want to say "Duh!" And homeschooling, it's definitely hard, and anyone who thinks it's easy, hasn't done it. Many people begin the road of homeschooling, and quit, because it's too hard.
Trust me, I've been there. Summer before last, I was done. I wanted desperately to quit. My husband even began looking into how to enroll in the local public schools, noticing the strain homeschooling was putting on me. But in the end, I was reminded that this was where God had called me (Yes! Homeschooling is a calling!), and I needed to fight the fight, figure it out, and trust God that He would finish in me and give me the strength to do what He called me to do. And together with my husband, we figured out some ways to push through.
The next article that hit the nail on the head was one entitled "The Duh-Truth". The author said there were two times when she always wanted to reply "Duh" to people. WHen they said men and women are different and when they said homeschooling was hard. Everyone knows men and women are different, so stating that makes you want to say "Duh!" And homeschooling, it's definitely hard, and anyone who thinks it's easy, hasn't done it. Many people begin the road of homeschooling, and quit, because it's too hard.
Trust me, I've been there. Summer before last, I was done. I wanted desperately to quit. My husband even began looking into how to enroll in the local public schools, noticing the strain homeschooling was putting on me. But in the end, I was reminded that this was where God had called me (Yes! Homeschooling is a calling!), and I needed to fight the fight, figure it out, and trust God that He would finish in me and give me the strength to do what He called me to do. And together with my husband, we figured out some ways to push through.
But the truth is, things that are worth doing are hard! Marriage, parenting, losing weight, college, sports, building a shed, and more. They all are going to have their struggles, yet you push through for the end results. For me, the end results are to educate my children, and teach them how to be kind, responsible, and wise adults. God is using me to accomplish that, and I can't imagine anyone else who has my children's best interest more than me. Even though it's HARD to homeschool, in so many ways, I AM doing GOOD! Galatians 6:9 says "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary." As we all know, the days are long, but the years are short. I know I will look back in years to come, and be thankful for these days, as I continue to ask the Holy Spirit to give me the strength to do what He's called me to do.
At this time, we are looking at the real possibility of moving. The place we are moving to has several Catholic schools in the city, and we could send our children there. I was incredibly excited about it at first, but as each day goes by, and we continue to pray and discern and push on through this school year, I feel like God keeps telling me "Continue to homeschool. This is where I have called you." Maybe he's telling me to just focus on this school year, and stop worrying about the future, and have peace at this time. I'm still not sure, and we may go with the Catholic school option, but I know God will guide our way as long as we continue to seek the Holy Spirit in our decision.
May you find encouragement this Advent season if you are struggling in anything and finding it hard. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength and perseverance, so that you don't grow weary in doing good. May God bless you and Happy Advent!
