You know the feeling.
You’ve spent time over the summer planning out your next school year and have figured out which subjects to work on and which curriculum to buy. Most of it is purchased, sitting in piles, ready to go. Then something just isn’t sitting quite right in your heart on what you’ve chosen. But you’re feeling sick now because you’ve spent the time and told everyone that you’re not using a boxed curriculum. Yet as you look over the year, see the dynamic of your family, the needs of your children (and you!), you realize you need something more structured, something that involves a little less planning on mom’s part, and a little more independence on your students’ part.
And that’s ok.
You’ve worked on your schedule for a few weeks, preparing everything just right so that the first few days/weeks/months of school will go flawlessly (heh, right! :D). It should be perfect, there’s enough time for everyone and you’re covering all the subjects you wanted to. But then there’s a niggling in your spirit about it, a small voice that’s saying it’s too much, there’s not enough room to breathe, play, create. It doesn’t all have to be scheduled, it’s ok to let a few things go and let the children lead.
That’s ok too.
You were determined to homeschool all the way through high school, but now your son/daughter is in __ grade and struggling and just not learning well in this environment. You’re bashing your head up against a wall, trying to figure out what to do, when you realize what’s best for him/her may not be schooling at home.
And that’s ok.
Because as parents, we want what’s best for our children. Our hearts ache and yearn and groan to see them be challenged and stretched and grow. And while our we may start out with the best intentions and plans, sometimes they need to change. Sometimes we need to take a new direction.
It’s ok to change your mind.
ESPECIALLY when God is the one doing the changing.
When we come up against a wall, something isn’t working, someone is rebelling, our hearts are weary, tired, and we can’t see our way through.
Pray. Before you get riled up and frustrated and throw your hands up, pray. He knows what is best. He knows the path you should take. He isn’t going to force you to stick with it, especially if it isn’t what he has planned for you.
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD, trust in him and he will act.
Be sure to check out some more great 911 letters!
