Stay The Course

Posted by Rhodema | 0 comments

Summer is often the time that we reevaluate our homeschool curriculum and goals. As we measure successes, struggles and what sometimes seems like failures, we can get discouraged or wonder….

Talking with moms who have homeschooled over fifteen years, I often hear the same theme—they are tired. Their homeschool journey seems long and lacking freshness. Now why did I do this?

When I first began my homeschool journey, I met women who had taught for fifteen years and I was in awe. Now I am there, starting my nineteenth year with a senior and a freshman.

There are days that I am weary. That is when I go back to remember why I began.

It was a calling for me and my husband. God knew what we didn’t. Two of our children are dyslexic and homeschooling was just what they needed. Our family is passionate about missions, and homeschooling has allowed focus and time to travel on mission trips. Most importantly, God knew my heart better than I did and answered my prayers for a close family.

Recently as I’ve been reading through the Old Testament again, I am reminded of another reason. I am struck with a command that God gave the Israelite kings in Deuteronomy 17:18-20.

God commanded each new king of Israel to first spend time copying the entire law of God by his own hand. Once his handwritten copy was approved by the priests, he was to keep it with him at all times, reading it every day and referring to it when he was to make a decision.

Homeschooling allows us to fill our children’s hearts and minds with God’s word—just the way God desired the kings of Israel.

• We can choose curriculum that credits God with the creation of our world.
• We can select curriculum that shows God’s hand in the events of history.
• We can give our children heroes to pattern their life after through excellent biographies of godly world changers.
• We can read God’s word each day with our children and pray.

Yes, I am weary at times. But then I know that God is the one to accomplish what He has called me to do. I am so glad that He gives strength to the weary.

but they who wait for the LORD
shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.
-Isaiah 40:31

Rhodema Cargill lives the parenting adventure with Calvin, her college sweetheart. They have two adult daughters and two teenagers still at home, a girl and a boy. Their homeschool style is eclectic with a great love of living history books. Rhodema is a freelance writer and speaker. Visit with her on her blog: MommyLife.