I can remember vividly thinking that my mom knew everything.
She was my superhero, who lived by the motto, “Things will always work out!”
How did she do it all?
My mom worked the tough job as a teacher in a New York City public middle school (visualize pre-teenagers, and raging hormones). Every night she helped me and my three siblings with our homework. Not only that but she was a super amazing chef who made home-cooked dinners almost every night. As she made dinner, she would dole out answers for every problem we were struggling with, and always ended the pep talks with, “things will always work out!”
I grew up. I became a mom too! Now it was my turn.
Am I a superhero in the eyes of my husband, kids, friends, neighbors, and most importantly to myself?
I am, but not in the childlike sense I had as a kid for my mom!
I accept and embrace my call to holiness.
Therefore, my life, my daily grind is all about grace, and all about a journey towards that eternal city, that banquet prepared for me.
I said “yes” to the grace from our sacrament of marriage , and in turn “yes” to an openness to life
God gifted me with grace.The stuff of superheroes. This infusion of grace IS the only answer to becoming the person God is calling me to be!
“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you. This I command you: love one another.”
John 15:16-17
Grace and LOVE!
Here we are mid-year in our homeschool life. In creeps the world, the “adult peer pressure,” the parent self-doubt.
Did I do enough? Did I choose the right curriculum? My kids are so behind!
I truly believe that those of us who choose to home educate place an added burden upon ourselves to “be enough” for our kids, not only in the parent department but in the education/teacher department too! We let doubt in, and we second guess the gift of “the Grace of Yes.”
See, you can find plenty of homeschool resources, Facebook groups, co-ops, well-meaning advice from fellow homeschoolers, and tons of self-help books reinforcing a reliance on everything but grace.
I admit that there is a practical side to things too, of course! It is wise and prudent to do research, and guidance for curriculum, learning styles, scheduling, etc.
However, it is even more important to take time to reflect and pray.
When all is said and done, the only important ingredient, the once, and for all cure to doubt is ‘The Grace of Yes.”
Sounds too simple, right?
Nope, we have God’s word for it.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
“I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.”
John 15:5
Ask, seek, knock, and remain in Jesus!
He has endowed us with beautiful minds, hearts, and souls, all in service to Him. As moms and dads, we tap into that grace that leads our loved ones to know, love and serve Him!
Grace of Yes. Love.
Powerful stuff! The stuff of superheroes!
How are you handling the self-doubt these days? Share your thoughts below…
It’s been many years since I homeschooled, but I remember well those feelings of self-doubt. One day stands out in particular. We were “falling behind” in the curriculum (especially the unit on homonyms, synonyms and antonyms) and I was looking forward to a week of “catching up.” But the girls had a pediatrician appointment I had forgotten to put in my planner, and instead of catching up, I found myself feeling more behind. As I was complaining to God on the way to the appointments, I suddenly noticed a sign outside of a church. It read :
NO GOD
NO PEACE.
KNOW GOD
KNOW PEACE.
“Look, girls! Homonyms!” I said. And I realized in that moment that God was trying to tell me that He was in control. We weren’t behind. We were right on time. His time. And though the homonym lesson pertained to the girls, I took to heart the outward meaning of the message…know God, know peace. Homeschooling is definitely not the easy route and sometimes it’s hard to see that light at the end of the tunnel, but, take heart, God is by our side. ❤️
I’m so sorry for such a long post. I just wanted to give encouragement to anyone out there who is struggling. I’ve been there… Sending much love and prayers xo
Great story! Thank you 😊
Amen! Thank you for sharing!
Definitely needed to see this! God is good! The last week I’ve had severe doubts about my approach to homeschooling and what my son hasn’t learned and I’ve felt like a horrible parent. I’m glad I’m not alone in my feelings! Also definitely need more Grace!
This could not have come at a better time. I’m in the “am I doing the right thing, I can’t do this, I’m tired, my kids are way behind, let me see if the local public school is excepting open enrollment” phase.
You took the word right out of my mouth!
Oof. I needed this today. Thank you so much for the reminder that we are doing this all for His glory.