Perhaps it is an occupational hazard of being a homeschool mom. When I face a problem in my life, I immediately begin researching. I hop on the internet, looking for reputable websites that might have solutions, spending hours trolling through reams of electronic data. By the time I’m done, I’ve followed too many bunny trails than I care to admit, and I am often more confused than when I began my search. My head is filled with conflicting information, and I am no closer to a solution than when I began. Let’s not even mention the hours of wasted time which I could have spent with my children, instead of sending them off on their own because, “Mommy is busy right now.”
Sadly, too many times, the hours spent in study and research include very little time in prayer and God’s word. Proverbs 19:27 says, Cease listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. When my first reaction is to turn to sources other than the Lord, then I have ceased listening to instruction. I have strayed away from the instructions of the Source of knowledge and traded it for the clamoring voices of the multitude that often only seek to push their own agendas.
I’m not saying there is no place for gathering information or seeking the counsel of others. What I know is this – when I turn to the Lord first and seek instruction in His Word, I often find the answers I need. If I need to look to other sources, my time spent with Him gives me clarity of mind, making it easier to filter through the abundance of available information, so that I can quickly find the answers I need and get back to the more important job of serving my family.
Turning from a mom into a research associate is only one of many hazards we face as homeschooling moms. What are some things you struggle with? A few of mine include trying to control people in my life, needing to be “the best” at what I do, taking on too many outside responsibilities, and having unrealistic expectations. (Hmmm…I am beginning to see a pattern here.) I hope to write about some of these in upcoming blog posts. Please let me know if there are particular topics you would like to see addressed.
Kathleen and her husband, Syd, have been joyfully married for 31 years. Since 1989, they have home educated their eight children using a Lifestyle of Learning approach. They have two homeschool graduates, and currently have four children in high school. Kathleen has a passion for helping moms experience the freedom to be real and transparent, not feeling the need to be “Super Mom” or, even worse, “Super Teacher”.
The Newmans live in Roxton, Texas, and attend New Hope Baptist Church. You can also find Kathleen at her blog, On the Banks of Rowdy Creek.
