I pray everyone had a blessed Holiday season. We had a wonderful time while on our short break and are now back into the school schedule. As usual, the school year is zipping right along and I always feel one step behind. I would imagine most homeschooling moms feel the same way!
Sometimes I meet moms who respond to the idea of homeschooling by saying, "I could never do that! My kids would drive me crazy and I would never get any peace and quiet!". Well, the days here do get a bit crazy at times but it's not because of my kids. Honestly, it is because of me. My schedule stays pretty full because of trying to fit in things that I know my kids enjoy. Let me explain.
Life has a way of filling up with things that are really hard & difficult; like doctor visits, funerals, bills, or repairs to all the things that break around your house (major appliances always "go out" at the same time!). Many things happen from day-to-day that we just have to "tend to" while in the midst of "schooling". But, to me, these things are actually an important part of educating my children. I pray they see me handling the daily challenges with love, patience, and gratitude.
Even though our schedule is full of places to go and things that have to be done, I still try to add in things that are just pure fun for my kids. I want to be sure they have time to just be kids. For example, just yesterday, my oldest daughter had the best time at McDonald's. Now this may not strike you as odd, but she is 14 and most teens don't enjoy a trip to the McDonald's play land. But she did and it was good for her to just be a kid and play with her younger friends who were on the field trip with us. Did I have plenty to do without adding this field trip to our day? Of course! Did my kids need a break from all the drama of our daily life? Of course! And they got it. Was I tired and worn out? Of course! Was it worth it? Of course! Did I get peace and quiet during my day? Only in my soul; and it was a wonderful day!
Sometimes the adult events that happen around homeschooling kids are unavoidable. Sometimes as a homeschooling mom it is hard to get literal peace and quiet. But always our kids are watching us to see how we handle unexpected or difficult circumstances. And always we need to step back and make sure we are taking the time to just enjoy the days with our children. Not matter how or where we may be spending them.
I know many moms who are so extremely busy and worn out. I pray that the Lord would give them time during their day to really see their children. If only for a small moment, to really see them. Not as a hindrance to their peace and quiet, but as the reason to seek true peace and quiet. God can bring such an awesome peace and quiet into our souls even in the midst of a busy schedule. We must have this; for ourselves and our children. Having personal time with the Lord not only benefits us but also our children. As we seek the Lord, He will give us everything we need to stay on this narrow, and sometimes lonely, rocky, and very busy road which He has called us to walk with Him. It is His peace and quiet that makes all the difference. Seek Him today and be encouraged!
Thanks for reading all the ramblings from my heart. Blessings to you and your sweet families,
:) Vicki
