The new school year has started. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with it already. As a homeschool mom, it is a weighty matter you have undertaken. The burden you strap to your back every morning feels heavier as the weeks and months of the school year progress. You may even wonder why you chose this burden of all things.
Homeschooling was never meant to be the burden we often make it. It was meant to be a way to teach, disciple, live the Bible out moment by moment with our family. It was an opportunity to educate our children, guiding them gently toward Truth, grace, mercy, love. It was a chance to teach them about the Lord and all His ways. It was to be a time of awe and wonder, growth and maturity.
What has it become for you and your children?
Proverbs 1:8 says,
There is something different about a mother’s teaching. When we think about a mother’s teaching, we immediately default to the painting at the top of this post. A mother, gently guiding and instructing her child. It never looks like the crazy woman we have become, frantically trying to push through the schoolwork before collapsing at the end of the day. I think perhaps I would want my children to “forsake” that teaching if that’s what my homeschooling were to become. Listen to what verse 9 says that teaching will be like…
Is your teaching graceful? Is it something your children carry with them? Is it beautiful?
Those words do not sound like a burden. They sound amazing!
Today, I want to encourage you to set that homeschooling burden down, and instead, gather your children on your lap and be Mother. Be soft. Be gentle. Be grace-filled. Teach as a Mother, not a teacher. This is an opportunity of a lifetime! May it be beautiful!
What are you doing today to teach as a Mother?
To read more posts on discipleship in the homeschool, see the Teach Them Diligently Blog.
Rachel Bueckert says
Thank you! I read this just before starting our schoolday this morning….and it totally took off a load. What a blessing!
Jillian says
“Teach like a mother, not a teacher”, “It never looks like the crazy woman we’ve become” oh, how I need to remember this! And you’re right, this is an opportunity of a lifetime, I need to remember to treat it as such! Thank you!: )
Kelsey says
Love the reminder! Thanks, Amy!
Andrea says
I sit here in tears wondering how I do this through our first miscarriage with Baby no. 7. How do I keep being Mom, caring for everyone when I feel physically destroyed and emotionally empty?
Amy says
Oh Andrea, I’m so sorry. ((HUGS)) When we lost Emily, it was the children who kept me getting up every morning because I had to. I know what it is like to want to disappear into yourself in the wake of grief. Focus on one thing you can do each day that is “just for them”. Not the every day stuff, but rather the extra “mom” stuff. Make it things you enjoy too. Make it simple for now…things like, reading a special book, doing an easy craft, making cookies…those kinds of things. Your heart will begin to mend and in the process you will be knitting hearts. You will be amazed how these simple things will help you heal and draw your children to you. You are in my prayers.
Pam says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss Andrea! We lost baby #4 four years ago. Please give yourself time to grieve and let your other children be your hope and joy at this time of struggle. God’s grace and mercy will see you through.
Gayle says
Praying for you dear Andrea. God is near to the brokenhearted. Gather your strength from Him. (((Hugs)))
Ambritt says
I have no experience with this, so cannot even BEGIN to imagine the heartache. But when I’ve been in the valleys during motherhood, I try to remember the verse from 2nd Corinthians – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.†We aren’t supposed to be strong all the time. Sometimes it’s when we are at our weakest that He moves in powerful ways, and it’s amazing for our children to see this. Pray with them. Pray for strength, joy, smiles, special moments, hope…
Nadia says
You have no idea how much I needed to read this post today, right now. We have just started our homeschool year and I am already overwhelmed and in tears. This is the encouragement I needed to make a fresh approach. Thank you.
Dana H says
Thank you so much for this post! We are about to start our first year of homeschooling and I am so nervous. The reminder that this “is an opportunity of a lifetime” was exactly what I needed!!
Lynn Morgan says
Oh! I so needed to hear this!! I have felt burdened, I have lost my focus. Thank you for the reminder that I am a MOM.
Rebecca says
I was pondering this a few days ago. I realized – I was not doing this – I was in the midst of being frustrated….and as I realized it, I remembered what it was like to be a child learning and I let go and began loving – rather than teaching. Discipling my children.
Elaine says
Thank you for this, I’m about to start school again and have been a bit nervous. We have a big course load this year with 5 kids schooling. I want to be gracious and full of peace!! Oh how I need Jesus.
Lynda says
REALLY great and timely post. My heart was a little bruised this morning after a horrible homeschool day yesterday. Thank you, I needed to hear this. God has been admonishing me for weeks, but it took your precious words for me to hear Him.
Lindsey says
I always leave your blog feeling better. Always. God always uses you to speak to my soul. Thank you.=)
Erika says
Thank you for the encouragement when everything seems so overwhelming. I just started working an overnight job out of necessity while still trying to homeschool. Oh that my teachings be graceful garlands, even when I am so tired!
Christina Smith says
Apparently God really wants me to get this concept. I downloaded you book, “Large Family Homeschooling,” years ago, but I’m just now digging into it. I read this blog and now started Chapter 4…God’s timing is perfect. thank you
Amy says
I love it when God keeps driving home a certain point with me! 🙂