This is the story of how we came to be a homeschooling family. Several years ago, we had our three kiddos, who were 5 and under at the time, in a church kindergarten program. The oldest was signed up to begin the next school year at a local private Christian school when my husband, out of the blue, shared with me that he didn't want to fund a private education for 3 children through high school. He was looking at the big picture and was estimating how much money it would costs over the long run. It was a CHUNK of money! I was pretty much in shock about his decision because we had been on the same page, and I assumed it was a done deal. At that time, I couldn't believe that he didn't agree with me that what we had previously decided together was the best choice for our children. BUT GOD HAD OTHER PLANS.
I began to pray, mostly out of anger and the question of where to go from there. But what I was faced with was two choices - public school or homeschool. Please don't hear me saying it's wrong to send your children to public or private schools. My husband and I both graduated from public schools. Wherever God wants your children to be is the best place for them to be. I believe each Christian family should seek the Lord's guidance for their own family and follow whatever He has led you to do. And that's truly what the Lord was calling me to do at that time - to seek Him for the answer.
When the our children were younger, I had read a little bit about homeschooling, but I really didn't want to do that. So here I was faced with this very important decision to make. My husband told me he'd be fine with either choice and left the decision up to me. What I didn't realize at the time was my husband's decision not to send our kids to a private school was the catalyst God would use to make the choice to homeschool.
When the our children were younger, I had read a little bit about homeschooling, but I really didn't want to do that. So here I was faced with this very important decision to make. My husband told me he'd be fine with either choice and left the decision up to me. What I didn't realize at the time was my husband's decision not to send our kids to a private school was the catalyst God would use to make the choice to homeschool.
After several months of praying, reading everything I could get my hands on about homeschooling, talking to moms who homeschooled their children, researching information on the internet, looking up homeschooling resources, continuing to pray, etc., I became convicted that homeschooling was what the Lord was calling me/us to do. The following fall, with my oldest being 6, we began our first year of school at home. I can honestly say that it has been the most challenging experience of my life yet also the most rewarding and I wouldn't change our decision to homeschool for anything.
Ironically enough and only by God's divine providence, within 3 years, my husband also became convinced that homeschooling was what God had called us to do. Even in the midst of being questioned by others about why we have made that choice, he still remains convinced that homeschooling is what God has purposed for our family for now. What a blessing it was when God placed us both in agreement with one another! That was not a little kiss, but a gigantic kiss from God.
Ironically enough and only by God's divine providence, within 3 years, my husband also became convinced that homeschooling was what God had called us to do. Even in the midst of being questioned by others about why we have made that choice, he still remains convinced that homeschooling is what God has purposed for our family for now. What a blessing it was when God placed us both in agreement with one another! That was not a little kiss, but a gigantic kiss from God.
Homeschooling is not perfect, but neither is any other educational option. There are pros and cons to each school choice. But more than anything, it's about personally seeking God's wisdom for your own family and then following what the Lord has convicted you of.
If I could do anything differently over the past few years, I would choose to show my children more love. There have been good times, bad times, and middle-of-the-road times which is pretty much true of most of life in general. I have cherished the opportunity to stay at home with our girls and be a wife, homemaker, and a homeschooling mom. I am so thankful to my husband for being okay with me homeschooling early on and to God for providing for our family through my husband's job.
I trust if you are reading this that you're either thinking about homeschooling, already homeschooling or maybe you're just curious as to why homeschoolers make the choices we do. Obviously, this is the story of our family's journey and not every homeschooler falls into this scenario. I hope our story has encouraged you in some way, because no matter what we do, it should all be for the glory of God and for the furthering of His Kingdom.
If you have any questions about homeschooling, I'd be delighted to answer questions. Just shoot me an email.
If you have any questions about homeschooling, I'd be delighted to answer questions. Just shoot me an email.
Trusting you're also being blessed by your own little kisses from God!
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