A Letter to Weary Homeschool Mothers

Dear Mothers,
Are you weary, precious Mother ? Has the desire to train and educate your children become another " have to " added to the already long list of other duties that fill your day ?

I've struggled the past four years under " my list " also. My list consisted of all the " things" I felt I was to accomplish to bring glory to God. I was to have a spotless home, be a perfectly submissive wife, homeschool my children using the best possible methods, and run a home business that was completely orderly and organized. Plus all the other " things " that would make for a good home like baking my own bread, growing a vegetable garden, etc. I'll confess to you dear friend, that I have never felt that I have lived up to any of those expectations. In the midst of it all, I've complained and grumbled, been stressed and often unpleasant to live with. Does this sound familiar to any of you ?

I have for years been crying out to my Savior to show me how to " do it all" to His glory. What He is showing me is that I have started where I should have ended. My relationship with Him is where I must begin and stay. Not just during our devotional time but all day, moment by moment depending on Him to give me what my family needs me to be, instead of focusing on reaching a standard of " lifestyle " that I thought showed holiness. Out of that relationship will flow His character, which only He can give me ! As I know Him more intimately, and the power of His resurrection in me, I will then reflect the kind of love that brings glory to Him. How will my " lifestyle " glorify God if I'm not fulfilling it with a gentle and peaceful spirit? My peace will be tied to my accomplishments, not to my relationship to Him.

If I live my day in my own strength , I will become a " sounding brass " displaying no love, only concerned with my list of " things " to accomplish. Sooner or later I will suffocate under the load and then I will either change the " lifestyle " or by God's grace turn to him for help.

So, how does this relate to our everyday lives ? Well, Sisters, have you been homeschooling in your own strength , or have you been daily, sometimes moment by moment, going to the source of your strength, Jesus ? Is the list that you have assigned yourself one that will bring glory to you or to Him ? If you are burdened, weary or frustrated it may be because you have been carrying your own load. My prayer is that we, as Mothers, become more aware of our inability, and depend more on His sufficiency. He is an ever present help in times of trouble, we are to cast our cares upon Him because he cares for us we can do all things through Him which strengtheneth us.

Oh, that our homes may be built firm upon Christ our Savior and not just on the efforts of our flesh. May we depend on His strength to be the keepers of our home that he has called us to be. He is faithful in His work in us to complete it. May this be our prayer !!!

Copyrighted 1998 by Georgene Girouard. You may reproduce this article in it's entirety.