Train Up Tuesday: Encouragement from a Pro for When Homeschooling Gets Tough

Last week, I introduced you to Becky Seamon, a homeschooling mom of 4 who has been doing it for 17 years! She has more encouragement for you today! Please enjoy:

What I Have Learned from 17 Years of Homeschooling Part 2

“When It Got Tough”

I must admit, I was passionate my first several years of homeschooling. There was a stimulation of learning within my oldest two that was exciting. We rose to the occasion. But I would be less than honest, if I did not tell you that as more children came along, different grade levels needed to be taught with a toddler pulling on me, and a baby crying, I began to watch the “air of excitement” seep out of our learning adventures. Just to get through the day, I needed fifteen hands and patience of mother Teresa and I had neither. I can remember moments when I would throw my arms in the air and threaten to enroll my children in the public school and daycare by noon that very day. I felt I was “ruining” our children. I was weak. I was tired. I was drained. I wanted to turn in my resignation.

I sat at my sticky kitchen table and told the Lord I could not do this any longer. As I told Him “I quit,” He whispered gently, “Though you are weak, I am strong.” I poured my questions, fears, and uneasiness into prayers. I was reminded, “He who began a good work in me would complete it.” I began to intentionally seek Him. I began to act on His guidance. I started praying through virtually every aspect of homeschooling. I saw direction as I prayed. I realized I must seek understanding from the One who knows the beginning and the end. This new depth in my prayer life became an on-going habit through the following years of teaching my children. I have prayed over curriculum, teaching methods, clarification in specific topics and even laid hands on my computer asking God for mercy to operate modern day equipment…Honest. He has given the direction needed in each step of the journey. He has placed others in my path that could answer my questions. He has provided co-op classes to teach the High School subjects I felt inadequate to present. He provided friends to care for my children on days I felt overwhelmed. He has proven that He is able, when I am not. He taught me that He gives wisdom and strength when I ask Him. James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without fault, and it will be given to him.” It has been a journey of not only re-learning from textbooks as I train my children, but gaining wisdom from my Lord as I seek Him.

Come back next week for part 3! In the meantime, you can check out Becky's blog, too!

Blessings,
Ashlie