I hope you are enjoying this series. I had every intention of posting the next part of this series on Tuesday, but it just didn't happen. This post wasn't a planned part of the series, but I want to include it. Come back next week to see how I plan for each week.
This has been one of the hardest weeks I have had in a long time. I hurt my shoulder, lots of house stuff going on, lots of personal stuff going on. I pretty much wanted to kill my dog. (He was not harmed, but I did list him on Craigslist and then backed out). The stuff just kept coming and I was completely overwhelmed I cried a lot. I know it sounds like a big old pity-party. I'm not fond of them, but this is where I found myself this week.
Ok, so what does this have to do with homeschooling?
Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed with life, it is easy to start to second guess my decision to homeschool my boys. Am I really cut out for this? Is this really what I am called to do? Did I miss it? Surely, I missed it, because this is just too hard.
I know that these are all lies from the devil, and I did the most important thing I can do when I find myself here. I got myself in the Word of God and reminded myself of what the Word says, and who I am in Christ.
But, Unexpected Encouragement in still nice.
Unexpected Encouragement
Today, the boys and I took a load of stuff to donate to the local Rescue Mission. Since we were already there, the boys asked if we could go in and look around. I decided it was a good idea. We needed a break. I found a few things to purchase and was waiting in line to checkout. There was an older lady that asked the same question we hear almost every time we go somewhere during the day. "Is today some kind of Holiday? Why aren't you at school?" I responded with, "We homeschool, and got done a little early today". I expected the confused or judgey look that I normally get, but today was different. This lady smiled, and then proceeded to have a conversation with my boys. She put her hand on Cade's shoulder and told him that she was a retired school teacher. She told him that he had a very special Mom for her to decide to spend her time each day teaching him. She just went on and on about how blessed he was. I'm not sure she even looked at me, but it was such a blessing to me. I needed to hear those things.
I am thankful that when I am discouraged, and ready to throw in the towel, the Lord knows. He knows just how to send the encouragement that I need.
The Homeschool Series - Intro
The Homeschool Series - Our Curriculum Choices
Linking:
As a teacher, I can tell you this. Kids only learn about 20% of their knowledge in school and 80% of their knowledge from home and life experiences-just to tell you. Schools and teachers are kind of like resource centers and guides to education and knowledge. Most educators I know hate when I say this or teach this but after a long time of doing it and having two kids go to public school I firmly believe it.
ReplyDeleteThe rescue mission was a great tool for education.
I am so glad you were encouraged. We need to hear things like that, and God is always faithful to bring nuggets like that along the way. Have you read my most recent post? You should check it out... It's about trying to do it all and accepting that everything doesn't have to perfect. As homeschooling moms we juggle many hats, and we have to do our best and leave the rest to God - without going crazy! :-) If you ever have a really bad moment when you want to give up, email me. ;-) God bless you!
ReplyDeleteWhat an encouragement! I love when they pop up in unexpected places, when you need them most!
ReplyDeleteThose are the kinds of words we need to hear as homeschooling moms. This weekend, I heard this: "Leslie, just promise me you won't raise a bunch of nerdy-weird homeschooled kids?" I responded with, " All I pray is that my girls come to know the Lord, love him, and serve him all of their days. That's all I could hope for." Whew, people usually aren't so encouraging with homeschoolers because we make them uncomfortable. It's so nice to get a good encouraging comment every once in a while!!!
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