How Hobbits & Narnia Bring Hope to Homeschool Moms
Without the Great War, we might not know about Hobbits or Narnia. This is the premise behind Joseph Loconte’s book, A Hobbit, A Wardrobe, and a Great War. Both J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were shaped inexplicably by World War I. God ultimately used their experiences in the trenches to bring faith to these men.
We are a lot like Tolkien and Lewis. No, we’re not engaged in a struggle on a foreign battlefield. But like them, trials shape us. Hard things mold us. When we come out of a struggle, we are changed – for better or for worse.
Have you come to this realization yet: “Homeschooling might be more for my growth than for my kids?”
Homeschooling is hard, but it’s also good for us.
The blessing and curse of homeschooling is that we are with our children all the time. That means we can’t send heart issues on the bus and to the public school teacher to figure out. We need to wade through the hard parts of sibling rivalry or parent-child conflict. Sometimes it’s the lessons in perseverance that are more for us than them. We learn greater dependence on the Lord because we surely can’t fulfill this calling in our own strength. We know how weak we are.
So instead of pushing to finish the math lesson despite the bad attitude (I’m talking about Mom’s bad attitude here!), we should instead stop and repent.
Instead of wishing the kids would just be quiet, we should give our full attention to the sibling squabbles happening in front of us and help repair the strife.
Relationships and character training are our greatest responsibilities – not the science or writing curriculum.
So, don’t despair, homeschooling Mom! It’s the hard and painful moments of repentance, forgiveness, faithfulness, and faith that are shaping us into the people God desires us to be. What better things to model in your homeschool than repentance, humility, and grace? Our kids are watching. (Don’t worry – I’m speaking to myself here more than anyone else!)
What if the Lord called you to homeschool because of what He wanted to do in your life?
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6
Abby Banks – As a former classroom teacher, now homeschool mom of five, Abby loves to equip & encourage other homeschool families. Parents are uniquely gifted to teach their kids! Join her at 4onemore.com to learn how to homeschool with moxie –> it’s about embracing your journey & finding your groove. Homeschool with Moxie Podcast (iTunes link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/homeschool-with-moxie-podcast/id1437431785)
