Home School Panic

I’ve had four short weeks of school break and now it’s time to get back in the saddle and start up again tomorrow.  In some respects I am looking forward to it.

·       Routine is good

·       Keeps the kids busy

In other respects I am not looking forward to it.

·       Brings new responsibilities to my day, such as grading/record keeping/lesson planning that is time consuming

·       I have less time to pursue things that are enjoyable to me (selfish!)

·       Brings new stresses as I try to encourage kids to do assignments that they don’t particularly want to do

I’m sort of half panicked thinking about the fact that my daughter is graduating this year, and I am fearful that I have not done my job very well.  The temptation is great to look around at other graduating seniors and compare them to her.  Then panic sets in.  Or the temptation is to look at what public schooled seniors are doing and panic.  Panic sets in when well-meaning friends or relatives begin questioning what you have taught and making suggestions of what you should teach.  It also sets in when others assume she is planning to go to college as if it’s not an option not to.  What will they think of me if she doesn’t attend college? 

Panic also sets in when I wonder what she will do after high school?  Will she be able to make it in the world?  Notice I did not say in the “real” world.  She has been living in the “real” world since birth.  Public and private school institutions are not the “real” world.  I could get off on that soap box, but I’ll save that one for another blog post. J

This is where I have to remember Ephesians 6.

Eph 6:10 ¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

I can do this in the strength of the Lord!  Will I trust Him?