Schooled in God’s Classroom

​It was September 8, 2003.  “Alex and I started kindergarten today…” As I now read over the journal entries from the day I started to homeschool in 2003, I am taken back 17 years in time. Seventeen years of experience, growth, marriage, teaching, and parenting. There are many families in my well-worn shoes this month, this Covid-19 season. Moms who are trying to figure out this new phase with children “schooling at home” instead of in a building. 

I am struck by the words of my younger self on day two of my homeschool career: “Well, this has to work somehow, since God ordains it and knows the other things to which I am called. God, you know the plans you have for us. We will trust you to guide, direct, and help me live out each hour of every day. Never before have I needed so much help in staying structured – I probably think I need it so much that I have no peace in going with the flow, for fear of not measuring up to standards. Well, God will help me.”

If you are struggling with this season of life looking different, whether you are single with a calling, a wife with a man you love, or a mother with children facing change:  hang on to Jesus. Remember this, “…We preach Christ crucified…Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor 9:23-24, NIV). There is sustenance in Him for how you should conduct your day, how you can hang on to His presence in the midst of change and upheaval. Cleave to the wisdom and power that life in Christ can offer you.

I have vivid recollections of begging to be a fly on someone else’s wall, to know what this thing called homeschool looked like. I also have clear memories of being tired, strung out, and overburdened with home needs and childcare, but I was also so very hungry for God to show up and teach me how WE were supposed to tackle this new lifestyle.

You might be hungering for others to show you how to pick up your pieces today. Community is so valuable. The experience of others and the paths that have been paved make the journey of life so much easier. Take the time to depend upon the value others offer. Spend time building the tribe around you that has veterans of your journey and also other newcomers with whom you can journey. Ensure you are also surrounded by women of faith and those to emulate. Spend time with people you want to be like.

Deep down, though, one principle undergirds everything a community can offer.  We can learn from others, we can glean loads of advice and ideas, but in the end, we must go to our knees in front of the Creator to seek His wisdom for what He envisions for our unique life.  Seeking Him only requires that we ask Him for His leadership, for His direction, for His creativity in living in this season.

I would encourage new “schooling at home” moms to be reaching for Christ first and then teaching the little ones entrusted to our care with insight only God can give. They are so unique and so special that what works for others may not be what your children need. Praise God that He can enable me to do the impossible. He can be the Guide, the Counselor, the Teacher of me as I yearn to do right by him in this season of life.

​Three months after my starting day, I wrote this update in November of 2003. “Boy, what a thrill! Alex can read now, tell time with hours…what a wonder – I love this!” God showed up for me, like He will for you.  He gave me excitement, energy, and delight in my new calling that year. Press into Him and you, too, will find Him faithful.

Author

Sarah Touchet is the PCC Chair of the Global Ministry Care Task Force and a member of the Women’s Ministry Team as a representative for Global Ministry. She also serves on the state Home Educators Association of Virginia Advisory Board. She and her husband Brad have four children, with two still homeschooling through high school