The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
Sometimes our privileges take on the role of chores. I blame this on John 10:10
I have been guilty on more than one occassion of treating homeschool like a chore. It’s not a chore. During the 2:1 Conference we were reminded again – it’s not a chore.
This definitely had me brainstorming. What is it about chores that lack the joy? Sure I can do chores without complaint and even be thankful for our many clothes … but I need to be real with you and say I am not joyful to scrub toilets. I ration clothes because I hate folding laundry. Sorry, but I just want to get it done.
And some days – I approach homeschool as if it’s a chore. I just want to get it done. (not just one subject – but all of it).
I have incorrectly moved “homeschool” into the “chore” category when it indeed belongs under the privilege umbrella!
Do you need to get out the moving boxes and transfer “homeschool” back into the proper zip code? Won’t you be my neighbor?!
Well, next time you are going to get out the nail gun and hit me right between the eyes, let me sedate myself first! I fear that as life got more complicated, the boys got older, and SAT’s crowded into my peripheral vision, I fell guilty. I’d thank God in our prayers for the ‘privilege’, crow as we passed a school that we weren’t confined by those walls or that schedule, and then forget to live like we were blessed by the journey. AURGH. May the Lord forgive me and strengthen me to the task even as SAT’s, again, loom large in our days. Love you long and strong for this wonderful reminder!
oh my goodness, I had to laugh / nail gun. But I’m there with you when I “forget to live like we were blessed by the journey”. And then have the nerve to teach James 1:17 “every good and perfect gift … “
Call the moving company… I’m ready.
lets pack our boxes together and have a GRAND house warming party!!
I get it. But the reality of homeschooling is that it involves some not-so-pleasant aspects as well. I might be thankful for the opportunity to homeschool, and may love spending time with my children, overall, but there will still be moments that will make me want to tear my hair out. I understand what you’re saying, but I think we need to be careful with these kinds of comparisons, b/c I don’t want anyone to feel like they’re a “failure” or “a bad homeschool parent” because they don’t always enjoy it or look forward to every day.
you’re right Jennifer – but I hope this post is clearly understood to mean our view of homeschooling not “math”. Homeschooling everything – not a subject, assignment, and/or experiment. Those things can be difficult to get thru and sometimes rushed … but I’m referring to “HOMESCHOOL” – the entirety of it.
Well said, Stef! I had this talk with my husband, plus another friend before I even read your post. So amazed and thankful for this past weekend!
i love this. i think if you’ve been homeschooling for awhile it can start to fall into the chore category…just another thing on the daily docket. thankfully, homeschooling is part of our natural day to day living and we really enjoy it. God sends me reminders every day what a privilege it is to be home with and teaching my children!
thanks stef.
I read your printable “today I will” every morning – hangs in my kitchen. Thank you!