It is important to consider and write down the reasons why you do the things you do. They will be a good reminder in the days to come.
Our own task of memorializing why we do the things we do preceded the celebration of our twentieth wedding anniversary. Happy coincidence, or a God-inspired opportunity to contemplate our blessings?
We began the discussion with the question: Where would we be if we hadn’t chosen homeschooling?
If we hadn’t chosen homeschooling, I don’t think our marriage would be as strong as it is, with the range and depth of experiences we have had. We would not have the shared commitment to the ultimate home improvement project – homeschooling.
If we hadn’t chosen homeschooling, we probably wouldn’t have as many children as we have. For me, having our first two children helped me clarify the importance of family and building a home. It was such a joyous experience, that we doubled our family size!
If we hadn’t chosen homeschooling, we would know the hollowness of having “things” but would never know the richness of having the all of family life. How many families do you know who are blessed materially, but bankrupt spiritually?
If we hadn’t chosen homeschooling, we might nor have experienced our own much needed time on God’s threshing floor. The challenges of raising and educating a family have been met on our knees – exactly where the Lord wanted us to be to make us teachable.
If we hadn’t chosen homeschooling, our children would not have had the time, freedom, and space to explore and nurture personal interests and talents. A passion for swimming, a flair for acting, an untapped talent for watercolor and much more have all been nurtured in the greenhouse of our home.
If we hadn’t chosen homeschooling, our daughter with learning issues might not be the strong, wise, compassionate young lady she has become.
If we hadn’t chosen homeschooling, our irrepressible son would certainly have been repressed and labeled.
We can’t live with what might have been. We can’t presume to know what the Lord might have done. What we do know is that we stepped out in obedience to answer a call that clearly came from Him.
We also know that He also gave us the wisdom to know when that season of life had ended for us.
Do you have to homeschool forever, until all the kids are all the way through school?
Only if that works for your family.
If it doesn’t, you have the blessed freedom to choose what is best for your family, your child and your marriage.
You might also enjoy 50 Reasons Homeschooled Kids Love Being Homeschooled