Now that fall is here, homeschooling is in full swing for most families. Some of you teach four days a week, some choose several weeks on and then several off, some homeschool year-round, and others follow a traditional school schedule; but regardless, at this time of year we all are in a “back to school” mindset to some extent. It’s easy to get caught up in the many exciting lessons we have planned for our children, and somehow our responsibilities pile up and we can become overwhelmed. Let me encourage you to find a good plan and do everything you can to follow it, then give yourself some grace. You are a mother first and foremost.

Mothering is a God-given gift, and there is as much joy and responsibility in this as there is in teaching. My husband and I were blessed with four sons, all born just before my eldest son’s 5th birthday. People everywhere would tell me to savor the memories and special moments because they grow up so fast! I took those words to heart. Now that the boys are in their mid to upper 20’s I understand even more what those folks meant, and I share that same advice with other moms. (By the way, let me insert here that the camera function on your cell phone is a wonderful blessing. I so wish it had been around when my kids were growing up so we could remember more of those little daily moments that you now are able to capture.)

It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day tasks of mothering and homeschooling. Many moments produce complete and utter joy, and many others—sometimes mere minutes later—result in frustration, fear, and exhaustion. Let me encourage you, dear mom, not to be weary in well doing, because you are “doing well”! God tells us to take dominion of what He has graciously given and to serve Him by bearing His image and loving our brother. You literally are bearing His image and teaching that little one everything—about both the wonders of the world and its sin-sick depravity, who God is, and how our loving Father sent His Son, Jesus, to redeem everything. Add in the daily feedings, hugs, cleaning, wiping down, teaching your child how to walk, talk, hold a spoon, ride a bike, dress himself, hold a toothbrush, and then educating him so he is prepared for whatever he chooses to do as God leads him—and that’s the greatest honor and privilege a person can have in life. It requires time, energy, money, and support from other family members with God’s direction for wisdom and grace.

Stay focused on the big picture. What you are doing is very important, but remember, ultimately these little ones are His. You are His steward with these precious ones—teaching and caring for them. Loving them takes time, tears, and grace, but HE is with you and will give you what you need. Rely on His Word. Post Scripture around the house, play music, and listen to edifying podcasts, sermons, or audio books. Spend time building up other moms and encouraging one another.

Work together as a team with your spouse and other family members who can help you bear the load. As a grandma now, I can honestly say that one of my favorite things is taking my grandson for a few hours just so his parents can have a break and re-charge while I get a chance to nurture and teach him all about life too!

Here at HomeWorks, we are blessed to partner with your families and pray for you often as you care for and educate your children for God’s glory.

Enjoy the following quote from Elizabeth Prentiss. She was the mother of 6 children, some of whom suffered illness or arrived in heaven before she did. These events coupled with God’s leading inspired the hymn, “More Love to Thee, Oh Christ.”

“She says I shall now have one mouth the more to fill and two feet the more to shoe, more disturbed nights, more laborious days, and less leisure or visiting, reading, music, and drawing.

Well! This is one side of the story, to be sure, but I look at the other. Here is a sweet, fragrant mouth to kiss; here are two more feet to make music with their pattering about my nursery. Here is a soul to train for God; and the body in which it dwells is worth all it will cost, since it is the abode of a kingly tenant. I may see less of friends, but I have gained one dearer than them all, to whom, while I minister in Christ's name, I make a willing sacrifice of what little leisure for my own recreation my other darlings had left me. Yes, my precious baby, you are welcome to your mother's heart, welcome to her time, her strength, her health, her tenderest cares, to her lifelong prayers! Oh, how rich I am, how truly, how wondrously blest!”

― Elizabeth Payson Prentiss, Stepping Heavenward


Picture courtesy of HomeWorks by Precept Consultant Julie Garber http://www.homeworksbyprecept.com/julie-garber

On behalf of the HomeWorks team,
Sharon Fisher

Manager | Curriculum Specialist, Speaker Coordinator, Social Media
HomeWorks by Precept