Just Do You
The people in my house are loud. Unquestionably loud. Deafeningly loud. I, however, am quiet. How quiet? Church mice might occasionally ask me to speak up.
I’m out-numbered by my husband and kids, four of the most loving, tender, and funny people you could ever meet. They also happen to be completely audible from any room of the house or corner of the yard (and possibly, both ends of the street).
I believe that this stark difference between me and the rest of my family is a huge part of why God put us together. My boys help me to get my belly laughs out, and I help them to settle down and fall asleep!
For many years I remained uncertain that I was up to the task of homeschooling such a rowdy tribe. Surely the boys would drive me crazy. Surely they’d tell their future therapists all about mom and her wacky homeschooling season. Over time I cultivated a mildly coherent list of reasons why I was not the right person to teach my kids. I didn’t consider the beauty in how God designed me.
In Psalm 139:14 it reads, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Usually I think of this verse while gripping a stubborn love handle or eyeing that misshapen pinkie toe. Yet God made all of me. He considered low-keyed me amply qualified to rear three giggly, lively sons, and he planted a seed in my heart to school them at home.
Perhaps you sometimes feel that you are not the right person for this job, and this is, in fact, the worst mistake of your life. You may utterly despise lesson planning, homeschool fairs, and everything on Pinterest, but that doesn’t change God’s word; you are fearfully and oh so wonderfully designed. If God planted a “homeschooling seed” in your heart, as he did in mine, then he will cause it to grow and bear fruit. He will make every crooked path straight, and he will write his truths on your heart.
Homeschooling is a counter-cultural experience, so by its very nature it sends the message to our children that it is okay to be different from others. So be yourself! Start by looking at all the ways you are different from those closest to you, and celebrate those differences. If the kids are athletic and you are allergic to sweat, fine. If you are the best cook in town, but your kids are still picky eaters, fine. If your husband snores while you keep an involuntary nightly vigil, draw the line already!
The bottom line is, just do you! What you have to offer is just what is needed. We sharpen each other as iron sharpens iron, especially in our families. You are God’s hand-picked, uniquely formed conduit of love, compassion, mercy and grace toward your specific family. With God’s leading and God’s power, no one can be a better homeschooling mother to your kids than you!
Latasha Strachan. As a writer, teacher, and speaker, Latasha is driven by her desire to see women connect, inspire, and empower each other in God’s Spirit of love and unity. Her prayer is that women will become passionate about living free and honest lives through God’s power, mercy and grace. She and her husband Ian live in sunny Nassau, Bahamas and have shared just over a decade riding the phenomenal roller-coaster called ‘marriage’. They are on a wild yet fulfilling journey as they parent and homeschool three exceptionally energetic boys! You can visit her blog: www.latashastrachan.com.
