About 8 years ago I had it all planned out. After hours of research, visiting homeschool conventions, interviewing veteran parents, and reading lots of homeschool “how to books” I was convinced I had it all figured out. The entire element
ary, middle and high school education years of my kids’ lives had been planned on a few sheets of paper. I even felt like I had a great pathway to their college future if they wished to take that route. I was ready to take on the endeavor and commit the next decade and a half of my life to their educational needs. As both relief and excitement kicked in, I placed my curriculum order, and I was ready for not just the school year but the journey of homeschooling. Or so I thought. You see, my very structured, plan everything personality was satisfied, but in reality, I was so unprepared and clueless. Looking back, I laugh at that overzealous me. I have learned that things change. My kids and their needs have changed, our living location has changed, our most definitely, the world has changed. The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, said: “change is the only constant.” In life there is one thing that is inevitable and that is change. I have come to accept that there is a need for grace in a world of change. My homeschooling plans and curriculums have changed at least a half dozen times over the years. Our family is now in a season where we have elected to place our kids in a three day a week homeschool co-op due to certain needs we saw developing in our children. This option wasn’t on the sheets of paper I had planned out all those years ago! The ability to change when we see fit for our family is a benefit of homeschooling. Since we have the freedom to oversee and pivot when needed; we have been able to make the best changes for each of our children and their learning needs. Education and learning are not a “one size fits all” experience. Each of my kids learn differently, face different social, mental and health challenges and need me to push past my learning agenda and adapt to change to best suit them. Sometimes this is on a weekly basis, sometimes monthly and or even yearly. As a mom, I have had to surrender my thoughts and plans to trust that my God knows best for my children. He fearfully and wonderfully created each of them and He gave them to me to be a good steward; to love, raise and parent them. Thankfully, I do not raise our children alone, I have relied heavily on prayer and trusting God. Romans 8:28 in the NIV says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” When everything seems to be changing, overwhelming and uncertain; I find a quiet place to sit and listen. God is always there, speaking and guiding, it’s up to us to include Him and listen. He knows what’s best for our children and I rest knowing that whatever curriculum I chose, whatever direction I take, God will work all things for good because He does have a wonderful purpose for each of their lives’. So today, take a deep breath, find a quiet place and be ok to make a change, everything will be ok. You’ve got this because He’s got you.
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