Any teaching parent knows that homeschooling is
a calling and a sacrifice, something done from the heart.
There are inevitable ups and downs
from combining parenting and teaching.
Sometimes, others misunderstand.
Parenting and homeschooling require a heart focused on God and locked onto the children being taught. It must be willing to quiet itself during the painful vicissitudes of life. The heart of the teaching parent needs to be flexible, resilient, and itself teachable.
When my husband and I homeschooled, we worked to focus on God’s Word even as we learned it, sometimes merely groping our way along. We learned to manage everything life threw at us.
Much was hoped for, much happened we wished had not, yet much joy resulted. God’s blessings came in spite of us!
The indomitable Helen Keller was a woman with trials few ever know: blind, deaf, and “dumb” from childhood, her spirit came to learn only under the instruction of her tutor, Annie Sullivan. Annie had a teacher’s heart that unlocked Helen’s greatness. It is the heart which finds a way to say that which is difficult to express with words alone.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world
cannot be seen or even touched.
They must be felt with the heart.”
— Helen Keller
Eventually you will reach the end of your homeschooling and look back to evaluate. Tears may flow and regrets may arise. The agonies of “you should have done this, said that” will not help. Instead, package those years gently and lay them at the foot of the Cross, then accept what is. The job will be finished.
But for now, plan your homeschool year, ponder Keller’s statement, and slow down. Children are only young for a short time. Do not worry about what other people say their children are doing, work where the Lord directs you and your family. Keep working, but center your heartbeats on the Lord and remain reflective, teachable, and soft. Rest in Him…and teach.
Have a great year!
Thank you for this reminder!