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in Encouragement

An Unexpected Reassuring Surprise

Guest posting today is Loni.   You can find her blogging about daily life, her homeschool adventure, and unexpected surprises at Hearts-In-Training.
 
loni1
It came out of nowhere. Hitting me like a sweet warm summer breeze, instantly calming my spirit, slowly I felt the tension fade from my soul. Seriously, it was exactly what I needed at that moment. Isn’t it funny how at any given time, our lives can be interrupted. It is as if our focus has been wrong, and the Lord is saying, let’s readjust and realign it, now. It may come in any number of ways. This is how it came for me today…

Let me set the scene for you. The previous hour and a half, I had tried repeatedly, I might add to get the kids in gear. Today, we were going to a nearby city to pick up the rest of my sons Cub Scout uniform. We needed to leave at a certain time, in order to be home to have lunch with Daddy. It is our custom to leave the house tidy whenever we leave, so it is inviting when we return. This morning, chores seemed to drraaaggg out. We left about 30 minutes later that I had planned to.

 Bags were packed up, the tantrum from my youngest subsided, and off we went. The older two brought their individual studies with them. This is not a daily occurrence; however, today was an exception. We had a 45 minute drive in front of us, one way, and I thought we would make good use of it.                               

 loni2Ten minutes into the drive, my daughter loudly exclaimed “I LOVE Homeschool!” Can you imagine my surprise, as I am rounding a curve? My immediate thought was something was wrong, until my brain had time to process what had been said. Do my ears deceive me? Did I just hear that come from the back seat? I turned around, and asked, “Really?”

The question I posed comes from my interpretation of what has been happening over the last few weeks. It has seemed to me at least, for some reason she and I have been butting heads a little lately. Well, if you must know the truth, it has been a lot. Now, you may understand my surprise.  “Did she just say she LOVED homeschool?”

My daughter proceeded to tell me why, as did my oldest son, who just turned 7. I would like to share with you their thoughts. My daughter’s reasoning for her love of homeschool is this: “she gets to spend more time with Mama.” That was her number one reason, at least for today. My heart continues to find comfort in those words, even tonight as I am writing this. Of course, she had other reasons, but none stood out to me as much as that one.

I have often wondered how much damage I had inflicted on her. Debating if my decisions were ruining her. And with the flood of her adolescent emotions, I have questioned many more things, (like is this really MY child?). My greatest fear is that my children would learn all the wrong things from me. And unfortunately the have learned their share of “bad” habits, just by being with me all day long. I have feared that I would prove to be a hypocrite, and that it would somehow taint their relationship with God, each other and me.

I once heard a quote that goes something like this: Our children are monuments of how we spend our time. The thought of any truth to that intimidates me, while at the same time, inspires me. Let me share now, what my son said,

“I love homeschool, because, I get to learn about God, and no one will stop me from praying, and of course, I get to be with Mama.” Wow!

loni3 My reason for homeschooling was not because I thought I could do a better job. It wasn’t because I am a certified teacher, let alone anything else. My only certification is this; I am a sinner, saved by grace. My reason for homeschooling goes beyond cursive Q’s and algebra. Daily, my children have ample opportunity to see one of two things. They observe daily how to sin and how to walk in grace. Understand, my children, as are yours, are watching at all times.

I fail innumerable times a day, and I have an audience, not just of One. Yet, here I am amazed at beautiful grace, at work and evident in my children’s lives, again. My greatest desire for my children is not a dollar amount, collage acceptance, or any other tangible thing. My greatest desire for my children is this: That they know Christ intimately and live a life pleasing to Him. That they learn how to glorify God and enjoy Him. That is why I homeschool. That is why I love and at times really dislike homeschool. I am a sinner, at times receiving grace and walking in it, while other times I sit stubbornly in my sin. Yet, at all times I am teaching, and learning with my children for life.

Today, chaos and all, was a wonderful day. I am thankful for the reassuring words that gently smacked me in the face. I needed that. And without even asking, I was granted it, in a most unexpected way.

So, be encouraged. You may not get reassurance everyday. Sometimes, it comes at the most insignificant times, unexpectedly. Just know this; you are making a difference in the lives of your children. Regardless if you can gauge it today or not, it will be made apparent, and more than likely when you least expect it. More is sinking in, than you may ever know, and not just academically. Just keep on keeping on. One day at a time. Receive your grace for the moment and enjoy today.

Brenda (132 Posts)

Brenda is a homeschooling mother of 5, who has a wonderful husband encouraging her to be the best woman that God has created her to be. Together they are very intentional about spending time together as a family. She considers her daily life with her children as her ministry and has found many avenues to encourage others to live a lifestyle of learning. She is the founder of a curriculum review site authored by a group of well-known homeschool bloggers, The Curriculum Choice.


Filed Under: Encouragement

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Makita says

    September 15, 2009 at 9:18 am

    Beautiful.
    .-= Makita´s last blog ..Down Down Down ~ Book Sharing Monday =-.

    Reply
  2. Bettina Howell says

    September 15, 2009 at 9:58 am

    This was so needed by my heart today, Loni!! God has given you the gift of words and used them to encourage me!! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

    Reply
  3. Deb says

    September 15, 2009 at 10:40 am

    Thank you.

    Reply
  4. Tara Howell says

    September 15, 2009 at 10:57 am

    This is beautiful Loni! Keep up the Lord’s work!

    Reply
  5. Kelli says

    September 15, 2009 at 12:01 pm

    Awesome!! Homeschooling has it’s many ups and downs. Keeping the reasons why we choose to educate our children at home in the forefront of our mind helps us to continue!!
    .-= Kelli´s last blog ..Breathing Easy =-.

    Reply
  6. Cendy A says

    September 15, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    Wow, Thank you so much for posting this. After my day yesterday I was really wondering what I was doing homeschooling my kids! This message was sent for me! Thank you!
    .-= Cendy A´s last blog ..Weekly Report # 2 =-.

    Reply
  7. Kristen says

    September 16, 2009 at 8:35 am

    What a wonderful message of encouragement. Thank you so much for being so open.
    .-= Kristen´s last blog ..(Not) High-Tech List Making =-.

    Reply
  8. Jewel says

    September 16, 2009 at 3:53 pm

    Loni, I am so encouraged by your words of wisdom. It truly is by the grace of God that we are able to continue in anything, especially homeschooling. Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

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