Feeling Weary or Discouraged?

Do you find yourself counting the days until this school year is ended? It isn't uncommon for homeschool parents to feel fatigue and even discouragement in the spring. The Bible indicates that many of our experiences in daily life correspond to spiritual situations. Fatigue and discouragement in the physical can be a reflection of spiritual battles. My pastor recently shared some valuable insights for having victory in the spiritual and physical aspects of life and I thought they may be of help for you as you come into the home stretch for this school year.

First, you must know your enemy. There were days in my homeschool experience that I was inclined to think that my children were the enemy, but that was really not the case. Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 if you don't believe me. Your children are a gift from God, not your enemy; so you need to look at the bigger picture to identify your enemy. Perhaps it is a schedule that is packed far too full, allowing no breathing space or down time. In this season of your life, you need to protect your school time and carefully select your outside activities. If you feel that you are making little progress in your homeschooling, you may need to examine your approach and explore other options. When I began to explore my children's learning modalities and selected materials that worked in conjunction with those modalities, then our efforts were much more successful.

Second, you must know your weak points. If your children "push your buttons" that will be a clue that you have weak points. You may find it helpful to find an experienced homeschooler or 'Titus 2' woman at church and ask her assistance in identifying those weak areas and her advice and prayer support as you seek the Lord's help in fortifying those areas. God can using the homeschool setting to show you areas that He wants to develop in you. Don't ignore these opportunities ... it's a valuable part of your growth, and can demonstrate to your children that God works on us all.

Next, you need to know your weapons. The passage I referenced earlier in 2 Corinthians tells us that "the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful" and 1 Peter tells us that God's grace is as varied as the trials we face, so you can be confident that He will help you. Your first weapon is prayer, surrendering yourself as you seek His guidance. You can also explore alternate curriculum options, seek to plan your schedule and days more carefully, and practice employing the word "no" with a smile. I'm primarily referring to not agreeing to participate in every possible activity, but choosing them carefully, ensuring that they provide greater benefit than cost to you in time, preparation, and energy. This was a hard lesson for me.

Lastly, I strongly encourage you ... don't give up! If you know in your heart that you are called to homeschool your children, then press on. If your current approach isn't working, then explore other options. Attending a homeschool convention is a great way to revive your vision, explore those options and redirect your efforts. Perhaps this needs to be a 'Mother's Day/Weekend Out' type of trip, giving you time to get away, rest and renew your energies. Trust me, you are worth it!