Today I’m super excited to share the journey of a real life friend of mine, as she trusted God’s leading to homeschool her three kiddos. Please welcome Lara of www.ToOverflowing.com. {Becky’s side note: If you need some encouragement in your inbox each morning, sign up to receive her emails.}
I said I would never homeschool. Never. Not because I thought it was a poor choice. I just didn’t want to do it. I mean, I had always held all of my homeschooling-mama-friends in the highest regard, putting them on my “these are my perfect mom examples” pedestal. But as a family we had prayed about the schooling decision over and over and the Lord clearly led us in a different direction.
God opened the doors wide for my kids to attend an amazing Christian school. And on numerous occasions He miraculously provided for us to be there when our “on-paper” budget didn’t add up. Miraculously provided. We loved it there.
Then last March we had to make the decision about this coming fall: re-enroll or withdraw. So once again we sought God’s direction — because we only want to be where He wants us, knowing that He faithfully provides for the roads He calls us to walk.
Well, as we prayed, I found myself coming back to the homeschool option. Not because I wanted to — I didn’t want to. It’s just that God’s peace seemed to surround me when I contemplated the possibility.
Strange. Peace but not emotional desire.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
I didn’t feel like God was standing over me with a hammer or something, insisting that I make the right choice or else I would ruin my kids forevermore. It wasn’t like that. And it never is with our gracious God. It was more of a choice between better and best for our family’s next school year.
So after a couple of weeks of prayerful pursuit of His will for us, I withdrew our kids from their Christian school. The one we loved (and still love). And then I fell into a brief depression. No joke.
The thought of carrying my kids’ education on my shoulders com-plete-ly overwhelmed me. I cried. I ate chocolate. I cried some more. My husband questioned whether or not we made the right decision. I cried a little more. Then, like only God does, He lifted the fog, speaking true things into my spirit.
He reminded me that He was the One who taught my kids. Granted, I may be the vessel for some of the information, but ultimately He’s the One who opens minds and gives abilities and grants wisdom. He’s the Teacher.
Remembering my place in this whole, big, crazy homeschool journey made me breathe a little easier. And over time, one decision after another regarding all the details, He went before and behind, reminding me again and again that He would faithfully equip for the call.
So there you have it. My unexpected path to becoming a homeschool mama, believing God to hold my hand every single step of the way.
Speaker and author, Lara Williams lives in NC with her husband and three young kids. You can find out more about her at www.LaraWilliams.org or visit her blog at www.ToOverflowing.com.
Just breathe girl.
In and out.
Breathe in the grace He gives, daily.
Breathe out the fear.
And know this, He will meet you in the most amazing. AND the surprise won’t be so much what your kids learn, but what He teaches you.
love you!
I agree with Stacey…you’ll be amazed at what God teaches you through this process. One thing I have learned is to EMBRACE your own growth and the opportunities He provides—otherwise you’ll just need to learn the same lesson over and over and over again…ahem. 😉 (((hugs)))
I hate when I have to learn the same thing over and over and over again. Ugh. Praying for the ability to “embrace.”
Yes. Breathe. And what great words, Stacey. He’s so faithful to transform us, one day at a time. Hugs to you, friend. Can’t wait to see you…sometime?!
I love hearing the story of how God speaks to us, and though our emotions may not line up, His peace will fill us. So, so important! I have had those same emotions throughout our entire adoption process, but His peace never left me. I knew we were walking in the calling He had for us.
Blessings on your journey, and there certainly isn’t any shortage of information out there to help you (in fact, there may be TOO much!)
His peace is such a gift. I’m sure you could fill a book with all you are learning/have learned through your adoption process! I’d love to hear the full story sometime. Blessings sister.
I love you, sister! You are such an encouragement! Your example of following God’s will and listening to His voice in the things that you are *not* interested in remind me that I can follow Him even when I don’t feel like it. Also…you’re a great Mama! And your kids are sooooo blessed to have you teaching them.
You are such a treasure to me, my friend. I could say the same sweet words of you. Your passion for our Lord blesses me more than you know. xoxo
We didn’t plan on homeschooling either. However, God closed a few doors on us, and it appears this is the window He opened after. Two of my children are in the same school we withdrew our now first-grader from – we love the teachers, we love the staff, but it just wasn’t the right place for him. Some days it’s a struggle, but it has been amazing, and yes, I do feel a sense of peace about it. You’re right – it’s not about what we want, but what He has planned.
I pray God’s continued leading in your journey, Meg. And what I’m seeing is that even though I didn’t have much desire when I first said a reluctant “yes,” He’s so gracious to stir desire in us when we set our ultimate desire on Him and His will.
Lara, I look forward to hearing (through your blog or otherwise) about how God grows and leads you and your family through this.
Remember how I said the one thing I would *not* do was go back to teaching full-time for the public system I’ve been with? Well. God. He said go.
My new elementary music classroom is reaaaallly nice.