Encouragement Anyone?

Parenting is hard!  Don't get me wrong... it is the most rewarding thing we can ever do.  The discipleship of the next generation is nothing to sneeze at and can be demanding and draining of our time, energy and resources.

Now add homeschool.  

It's like traversing the Grand Canyon on a tightrope and then adding a unicycle and a monkey on your back.  Or swimming the Atlantic and adding 50 foot swells and hungry sharks.  Like...

Ok, you get the picture.

Parenting is hard and home educating is hard.  Have you admitted that yet?  We are in need of encouragement along the way though sometimes we don't see the need.  It's like going without food for a long period.  The first few hours your stomach yells at you for attention.  But gradually, we get used to the pangs and ignore them until it becomes normal.

Don't let the pangs in home education or parenting become normal.  You are in need of refreshment!  May I offer some suggestions?

Womens' Retreat (and Mens' too!)
What a great way to refresh as child of God!  To be reminded of God's goodness, feel God's love and presence in your life and either be convicted of areas you need to change or confirm the path you are on.  This can be a wonderful time with other women who have been where you are and who can love and encourage you without the everyday pressures.  

Homeschool Conferences
No it's not just about the curriculum hall!  It is about being renewed and encouraged in the decision to home educate and raise godly young men and women.  Especially in our society today that doesn't understand our convictions, it can be extremely encouraging to be in the presence of other parents facing the same decisions and difficulties you are.  I love to sit in the auditorium with other parents and look around.  I dare you!  Just look around.  I look at these parents who may look like they have it all together and realize that their fears are my fears.  Their path may be similar to mine or completely different but one thing is the same... our desire to educate our children in the admonition of the Lord.  Look around and pray for those sitting around you.  And realize that someone may be praying for you too!

Got Kids?
One thing I really appreciate is the family oriented homeschool convention.  I have been to several conventions in the western states and I love seeing the kids at these conferences with their parents and their peers.  I love seeing the inclusion of these precious children since this is the reason we home educate!  Including your children (especially older ones) in curriculum decisions, attending workshops together and talking about what you both learned, signing them up for a special Kid or Young Adult convention, or encouraging them to attend workshops that interest them... who knows?  Maybe you'll learn something new about your child!  What your child will see is your commitment to their education and that your family is not the only one embarking on this journey.  Even if they see friends at co-ops and park days, there is something amazing in seeing thousands of others running the same race we are.  Your kids can be encouraged as well!

You are not alone...
Finally, I want to encourage you especially as many of you are wrapping up this school year.  You may feel exhausted, elated that it is almost over, discouraged over the things you didn't get to or joyful in the things that were accomplished.  Know that God will meet you where you are, He fills the the gaps in your kids education, and gives you the grace to proceed... one day at a time, one subject at a time and sometimes, one moment at a time.  Start each day with the truth about God, who He is, what He has done for you and His love for each of us.

That is the greatest encouragement of all!