Do you feel as if you are losing your vision for homeschooling? Are there days when you wonder, “Why am I doing this? Is it worth it?” Are you staying focused? Or, do you find yourself distracted and fragmented, pulled by all the details of life? Are you having trouble sorting out all the various commitments, activities, schedules, etc.? We all go through times of questioning to a degree. That’s healthy and helps us get back to focused, purposeful homeschooling. If you are having trouble answering these questions, however, or even asking them, it may be that deeper foundational issues need to be addressed.
When someone asks why you homeschool, how do you answer? I know we can all come up with a long list: one-on-one tutoring provides a better education; my child’s moral character can be better developed in Christ at home; it fits into our family’s lifestyle, etc. But these are really the benefits of home education. My husband and my ultimate reason for educating our children at home was obedience to God. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” John 14:15. Have you—both parents—sought God’s will for your family? “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind” James 1:5-6.
If you believe that God has called your family to home education, then quit doubting His will when things get tough. Rather, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6. If you are convinced that home education is God’s will for your family, and you have submitted to Him in obedience, a deep abiding peace will reside in your heart regardless of your circumstances.
Self-discipline in Christ can help immensely with your decisions regarding your family and your children’s education. Self-discipline helps in setting priorities. So many seemingly good things demand our attention and, more importantly, our time. If we do not have our priorities in order, like a scale by which we can measure each demand, we will be pulled in all directions, fragmented, frustrated, and overwhelmed. We need to measure each thing objectively, without letting our emotions get over-involved.
What will this thing (activity, curriculum, class, etc.) require in time, energy, money, etc.? Will it bring our family together or have us going in different directions? Will it benefit the whole family, or is it just something I want to do or think I should do? We are not like other parents in this season of life. We cannot have it all. Those not involved in home education may not always understand this. You will simply need to set your priorities and stick by them regardless of the pressure. This takes self-discipline and regularly going back to the basic foundation of obedience to God. You can rely on the Lord to develop self-discipline within you. He who has called you will help you.
I leave you with a photo of a Staghorn Cholla cactus taken in the Sonoran Desert.