Have you ever noticed that when God calls you to do something, very often you can look back and see how He has been preparing your whole life for that one thing? This has certainly been the case for me. Today, I am sharing about a work He began in me many years ago.
There has not been one single thing that led me to homeschooling. God, truly has had me on a life- long journey. I guess, He knew it would take me that long to prepare my heart for this role. Looking back I can see snapshots of life that He used to lead me where I am today. Here are just a couple and what I learned along the way:
Snapshot 1: I am five years old waiting for the neighborhood girls to come home so we can “play school” in their garage. They had one pupil, me. And I was an eager student. One day, I ran home with my math paper to show my mom my work, and she said, “Did Karol Sue do this for you?” “No mommy, I did it. She taught me how.”
Snapshot 2: In college I was involved with Campus Crusade for Christ and I met a family who had a sweet little boy named Daniel. I asked Daniel, age 6, “Where do you go to school?” And he pointed to the desk in the corner of their dining room, “I go to school right there.” Over the course of the next few years, I watched this family homeschool and was amazed at the strong family bond they shared and the character of their children.
Snapshot 3: As mom of a preschooler, I had the chance to hear author Glenn Shultz (A Kingdom Education) speak at our church. He shared passionately about education. He said, “As a parent you are responsible for the education of your children. If you choose to put them in a more traditional school situation, you are turning over the ‘teaching’ of your children for that time during the day, but you are still responsible for them.”
Last month I started my 6th year of home school. I now juggle a 5th grader, 2nd grader, preschooler and 10 month old. Life is full. I am completely poured out most days. But, I am grateful to have the opportunity to be their teacher. The truth is, most days I learn more than they do. And that has been the biggest surprise so far. I wonder if I teach enough, train enough, or have enough fun with them. But a wise friend told me, “You do your best with what you have. And God will fill in the gaps. When you are finished they will not lack anything.” That gives me great hope for the future as the journey really has only just begun!
What about you? Is there something God has called you to that you can see He has been preparing you for your whole life? I am so grateful you stopped by today! Tomorrow, I am looking forward to hearing from a faithful 29lincolnavenue friend who will be guest posting for The Porch!
Today I am linking up with the Homeschool Village!
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Great post Stace! Loved hearing how God brought you along to homeschool:)
UnChong recently posted..A Peek at Our School Routine-Fall Semester
Stacey, Please consider sending this to LW for the Sunday update…very encouraging!!
Thanks Jo! I’m on it!
Your blog is so pretty and peaceful!
I’ve heard about that Kingdom Education book … I guess I should read it!
Aren’t we glad that God can fill in the gaps?! I really enjoyed reading your story. Thanks so much for sharing!
Carrie recently posted..The Story of How I Began Homeschooling Kicking and Screaming
Thank you Carrie! I think you would be greatly encouraged by his book! So glad you stopped by today!
Good stuff!
I picture you looking like Abby, running home from your friend’s house…
Oh how I wish we could still live that way – sending our kids to the neighbors house to play every afternoon! If you were my neighbor I’d send them to you!
“Completely poured out” – What a perfect way to describe it, because we are filling their little cups. And it is such a blessing to do so. What an encouragement! Thanks for linking up!
Cheryl@SomewhatCrunchy recently posted..Ode to a Toddler – A Sing Along
Isn’t that the truth? It is not a one time filling up but a daily outpour that is needed! Thanks for stopping by Cheryl!
How amazing how God has prepared you for homeschooling your whole life! God is good! Homeschooling is definitely a journey and not always across the mountain tops.
Thank you for sharing your story! Have a blessed day!
Sherry
Sherry recently posted..Yeah- right! Me- homeschool Never! LOL!
A friend shared a Oswald Chambers quote that said, “We were not meant to live for the mountain tops…” but He is gracious to sprinkle them throughout the journey to encourage us!
It is amazing how God prepares our hearts. I need to remember that He will fill in the gaps and trust Him. Thanks.
It is so true! I think I need to write that down and put it on my fridge so I truly take it to heart!
So glad you stopped by!
I remember playing school in my friend’s basement – making planners and worksheets. Who knew God was watering seeds.
thanks for linking up this week friend and sharing your beautiful history w/ us! Your support is much appreciated!
Stef
the hsv
stef recently posted..Homeschool History – 2008
Now we get to “play” school all day long! You are right – who knew he was watering those seeds girl! Loved all the link ups @hsv – great encouragements!