August Allebe 1871
"Homeschooling should be a blessing to us, not an unbearable burden If it has become such a burden, then perhaps we have required things of ourselves that the Lord never asked us to do. Perhaps the standards we are trying to follow are not God's standards but man's. Perhaps we are living by formula rather than by faith. What we need in our journey of homeschooling is not judgment and condemnation when we are down but, rather, encouragement, help, affirmation and prayer to raise us up." -Seasons of a Mother's Heart
A brand new school year has started, and it seems that all too fast we say goodbye to summer and begin thinking about the fall season. As homeschooling mothers, it is easy to set high expectations, dream big, and become overwhelmed by these pressures and ideals. We all fall short of perfection, but it is important to allow yourself enough grace to remember what is at the heart of your homeschooling. You should be homeschooling because at the core of everything you do, you want your children to know and love the personal God and to ponder and live well as a disciple of Jesus. The purpose is to nurture, encourage, inspire and raise up your children--to educate them with love and wisdom, to do life together.
It isn't about a perfect formula, and we must remember that God has never called us to perfection, but to great faith in Him. Our God is an out-of-the-box creator who does not expect each of us to fit the same mold. Who is setting the standards for your homeschooling this year? Pinterest? Unrealistic schedules and formulas? Comparing yourself to other moms? Don't become discouraged in the midst of your journey, and remember that God has a unique and beautiful adventure for your family in this season.
Take a moment to sit down today and read the scripture and reflect on the questions below.
"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." -Proverbs 22:6
"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Reflection and application: -Are you a perfectionist? Do you feel easily overwhelmed? What tasks can you set aside for now in order to make today productive, but also enjoyable? -What voices are in your head? Who is setting the standards you live by? -How can you allow God's grace to encourage you on this day?