It’s that time of year again. School is in session. I hear the air brakes of the school bus every morning around 7:15 a.m. and I get stuck behind the busses again if I leave home between 2:45 and 4:30 to travel into town on our rural back roads. Yep. School is back in session. Please, send coffee. Stat.
Now, I know that some of you think of me (erroneously) as some sort of Homeschool Wonder Woman … and, well— here’s the truth: I AM “Wonder Woman.” Don’t believe me? Allow me to explain:
I wonder sometimes about what life would be like if I put my kids back in school.
I wonder if I would have more “free” time (whatever that means) if my kids were in school.
I wonder if our lives might be easier if we just put the kids in school.
I wonder when I won’t have to teach long division anymore. (At this rate, I’ll be 67.)
I wonder why the kids don’t get up on their own. Instead, I have to get them up. Over, and over and over.
I wonder if there’s an easier way.
Here’s the thing: there’s isn’t an “easier” way. This life is hard—and nothing that’s worth doing in this life is gonna be easy. Including homeschooling. And that’s okay.
Let me put it another way: How could we experience His strength if we did keenly feel our own weakness?
It may surprise you to learn that I don’t wake up every day full of confidence and energy.
Instead, I wake up every day and reach for my Bible. I reach for the Living Water and drink deeply—because I know that the day will be full of opportunities for me to be selfish, afraid, impatient and unkind. I don’t want my children to always see me in acting in my flesh. Instead, I want them, and their descendants to see God’s Spirit poured out. I believe He desires us to see His Spirit poured out even through the humble act of homeschooling.
“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.” Isaiah 44:3
Through God’s eyes, I can see beyond just surviving to days that are brimming with opportunities to be thankful. Each new day offers me the chance to watch my nine year old study a rock or see my thirteen year old interacting with his three year old sister. I can hear my Shepherd remind me that if I will let Him, God will renew my strength. Through His eyes, I’ll see more than my failures—I’ll see His strength giving me just enough to face that mountain in front of me.
He’ll do the same for you, precious mom. If you trust Him, then trust His word. Let His words fall fresh on your heart as you enter a new season:
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
I’m no Wonder Woman. But, if you see any “wonder” in me, I hope you will see that the real wonder is Christ… gently correcting this sometimes weary mama and leading as I follow after him like the lamb that I am. We are all His sheep, in need a Shepherd, and in need of His leading. If God has called you to homeschool, He has already given you everything that you need. You can find inspiration in others, but your strength needs to be found in Him.
If you’ll look to Him to fill and guide you, I promise: the next “wonder” that He’ll do—will be in you.
Now, go find your cape. Mine looks a lot like an apron.
I can not thank you enough for your heart that you so openly share!! You truly inspire me! I sincerely admire and appreciate you!! Thank you so very much!
Thank you Pam! We need to encourage each other, don’t we? ((hugs!))
Thank you so much for this post. I love the way you remind us to look to our Lord for strength! Greetings from the Netherlands
Thank you Heidi. I needed to hear this especially today. We are only a week into our new school year and I just felt exhausted today. Already negative thoughts in my head that what I’m doing is “not enough.” Thank you for these encouraging thoughts! Blessings to you and your family in the new year!
Thank you Stacy! ((hugs!!))
This has so been on my heart, nothing worth doing is easy! And if we work hard and press on we will see the benefits. Oh bless the Lord oh my soul and forget not all His benefits…….. Thank you for sharing, we have many wonderful opportunities each day to share the love of Christ with our precious children. I am humbled and honored to be homeschooling them, but more than that Christ-schooling them. Thanks for sharing!!!
Love this, Eva! You’re “Christ-schooling!” Yes!
This was perfectly timed for me! There are times I need a sick day and a substitute teacher to go with it!
If you find that substitute, let me know. 🙂
This is amazing! I love your blog and I love how real you are. I need this. I saw you speak in Cincinnati last April and I came up to talk to you and all I could do was cry. I had so much to say but nothing would come out. Thank you for what you are doing!
Jen—I bet we were both crying 🙂 You’ve got this! Be encouraged, xoxo heidi
Thank you for your encouragement! With a new baby only a week ago I am once again reconsidering that school bus for my first grader. I needed the reminder to trust in His strength to continue homeschooling.
Child of weakness, watch and pray—find in Me thine all in all. This was the hymn playing as I read your comment. His strength will get you through!
Bless you sweet woman, bless you! Thank you!
Thank you for your post!! I have a boy with ADHD in the 2nd grade who I am homeschooling. We got off to a good start last week but the last two days have been really hard. (mostly for me) He can be so hyper!! It is sometimes difficult to deal with. Thanks for reminding me that God will give me the strength I need to be patient and kind. Are any of your children hyper or have ADHD? I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Karen! You know, I don’t have any children that have been diagnosed with ADHD but I have a hunch I’ve got a couple who are at least borderline. For us, short school days and very intentional scheduling make a big difference. When they need to jump around, I send them running outside if it’s possible. If not, we take “brain breaks”. Check out Heather Haupt’s “Brain Breaks” book. It’s great. You can do this!
Thanks Heidi! As good and refreshing and poignant as usual! I needed this one! God bless you and your family!