Spouses never agree on everything and we are no exception. When my husband and I don’t agree, I tend to continue to harp on it, bring it up, try to pursuade. Nag.
We have disagreed for a long time on the issue of homeschooling. We had come to a compromise on Christian school but we ended up not finding one that was the right fit. I truly wanted to homeschool but my husband was not comfortable with it so we sent my oldest to kindergarten this year at a public school.
It’s hard to submit when you disagree but I know that’s what I’m called to do. Yet I really felt called to homeschool. And so I stopped (well mostly) nagging about it and became more intentional in praying about it. I had to intentionally release my desires to God. I prayed that if it wasn’t something God wanted me to do that he would take away the desire. I prayed that if we were called to homeschool, that he would change my husband’s heart. I knew that if it was something God wanted us to do, he would make a way for it to happen. And I kept praying even as many mornings I would tear up as I dropped my son off to school.
And God has answered. My husband is on board with us homeschooling next year.
This journey started when my son was eighteen months old and it’s been a long journey for me to learn submission. Submission to my husband of course, but even more so, submission to God. He has a plan for my life and when I try to interfere and take over that plan, it causes problems. It causes turmoil in my heart, conflict with others, and creates a barrier in my relationship with God. He has a timetable for me and I have to wait for his timing. I had to learn to let go of my desires and trust God in prayer for the outcome. I cannot change or control anyone else’s thoughts and decisions, only God can. And if he chooses to change things, he does it in his time.
How long will we homeschool for? I don’t know. I have learned to take it one day at a time and walk in the path God lays out for me each day and trust him for the future.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Is. 30:21
Hello! I’m not sure if I’ve read your name anywhere or not, but how wonderful it has been to stumble upon your blog! I found you through the 1000 gifts link. I’m in the middle of reading the book at the moment
)
As I took some time to browse your blog I saw your label: Depression.
I can’t tell you how blessed I am when someone else writes about this illness, for sometimes I feel as if I’m the only one who does, and it surely makes me feel awkward, but I feel led to share nonetheless- for others who need to know that they are not alone.
I’m currently in the process of changing my blogsite. The Lord has introduced me to a BIG new chapter within my journey that He leads me along, so I felt it was time to change the dear old blog I had, and start anew- sort of like with a new “chapter title”. But, at my profile page- you can find the older one called “Homeward Bound”. It’ll be a slow transition for me, but I’ll be saving and transferring some of those older posts to the new one- but it’s there that you’re welcome to read what I’ve written until them :O) … Just excuse the ‘scatter brain’, especially on the part 1′s, or part 2′s, or part 3′s …. that I never finished- I intend to do, sometime
)
HOMESCHOOLING!!! YaY!
But even greater praise that you let your husband lead you into this area of education for your children! Homeschooling isn’t just ‘school’, it becomes a lifestyle, and it’s a WONDERFUL adventure! As, I can tell you already know about the love or our Savior… as with everything, it’s not “if”, but “when” trials come along, …so, what I mean to say is: that from one homeschool momma to a new homeschool momma~ always keep Jesus at the center.
*If you don’t mind me asking, I say that you had one of your babies during a hurricane- that you mentioned that your move to Florida was a bit difficult, so I imagine that the hurricane happened in Florida, ha!, …. Do you still live in Florida? (I live in Florida)… if so, be super encouraged because as far as I know, Florida has the best state laws to homeschool under- they give the most freedom to the parents in the area of what education they want to bring to their child, truly Florida has the best ‘freedom’ in flexibility as to how a parent wants to operate their “Home Education”.
If you live in Florida, if you haven’t already visited https://www.FPEA.com you may want to. Every May (the weekend just before Memorial Day) they hold huge Homeschool Convention. Lots of great Christian speakers, not always about school subjects/curriculum, but about life, family, and the Lord too! Plus, there’s a huge vendor hall to explore ideas for curriculum.
I’ll quit rambling now, especially since this isn’t a “Comment”, but more like I wrote a letter…. So, sorry!
)
God Bless & I hope to see you stop by for a visit sometime
Deanna
I’m looking forward to seeing how God works through your time homeschooling and am excited for you!
That one verse – it’s such a landmine. It’s so hard to get around – but it’s there. And Jesus was submissive to the will of the Father – so it obviously doesn’t mean “less powerful”. It’s a tricky one. I’m glad you were obedient even though it hurt – I know of this obedience. And one day at a time? – amen. I’m really glad I got a chance to come by today. I always heart your stuff.
God bless and keep you and all of yours.
We have a similar story. My husband has never been a fan of homeschooling but through prayer and a change in circumstance, he came around and now sees the benefit of it and I have three kids at home now. May your upcoming year be full of wonderful time together — not that you asked, but my biggest advice for those starting the homeschool journey is to learn to relax — kids learn in all kinds of ways and if you run into any brick walls, just stand back and realize all the things your kids are learning about life, every day. It’s so easy to get consumed with worry that they aren’t learning enough, or fast enough, or that its not just the right curriculum (and so on and so forth), but its an ever-changing journey that is full of blessings.
Enjoy!
I was in these same shoes about 7 years ago. My oldest at the time was enrolled in a Christian school, in K5. It was during the course of her K5 year, that I felt led to homeschool… but hubby did not. It was hard during those times. Like you, I decided to pray. In May of the school year, I asked him if he’d be willing to attend a homeschool conference, and remarkably, he agreed. God changed his heart enough to the point he agreed- and I was homeschooling that fall. But it took a couple of years for his heart to turn more fully- so there were some rough times even after saying “yes”. Now, however, he has turned so much that he is more enthusiastic about it than I even am… to the point… I pray now for openness into whatever way the Lord leads, as seasons of our lives change, and as the children grow…and their needs change… I pray for God’s footprints in front of me.
This past year, my kids attended that same Christian school. Next year- back to homeschooling- because my kids are choosing it! I don’t know, either, how long, it’s one year at a time- one day at a time. Blessings to you, dear sister, as you begin your journey.