Instead of saying, "I can't physically and emotionally keep up with all that's demanded of me!" I yoke up with Jesus, who said He will teach me to be gentle and humble and promised rest for my soul. Instead of needing more hands, I need more of Him. And, when I draw near to Him and ask for wisdom and strength, He provides it. Are you weary and heavy laden with the burden of homeschooling? Get to know Jesus Christ; He wants to teach you that He is gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your soul.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

Special Needs

I have one child who tends to take up a lot of time and energy. For years I struggled with this child to stay with the program. God created this one different, and I had no idea the road to take. What worked for the other kids didn't work for this one. This required many trips to the principal's office. He kept saying that all he wanted was for that child to be able to read, write, do math, and love the Lord. Through this our child would learn order and character. Why did I keep making it so difficult on myself and our child by expecting more? I finally listened, relaxed, and slowed down. Amazingly, this child has now gained speed and improved in character and is ready for more. All that worry and anxiety for naught, when I could have been happy with the principal's wisdom.

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding" (Proverbs 3:13).

Chores

The matter of chores was seriously hard for me to let go. I really believed they would be done better and faster if I did them all myself than if I allowed the little ones to help. After all, the children never did the chores quite right. I argued with the principal, but due to his long-range vision, he continued to have the children take on more and more chores. I had to admit his genius when I came to really need all of their help during later pregnancies and other unforeseen stresses. He saw the future benefit of teaching children to work when I had seen only the immediate result. The fruit is even evident at church and in the neighborhood as our children are not averse to work but apply themselves with fervor and excellence wherever needed. I would have made wimpy, useless children had I driven the bus on that one.

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof re the ways of death" (Proverbs 16:25).

The Road Ahead

My husband sees more of the big picture of our schooling than I do. I am usually stuck in the details of working it all out. He sees a goal and lays out the direction we are to go, even if he has no clue about the streets or cities we must pass or the mountains we must climb, let alone any curriculum choices. But in seeing the goal, he is able to keep us focused on the road ahead. Some husbands want their wives to drive the bus all the time. Hey, he's the principal, so get behind the wheel and drive!