I am convinced that almost all of the homeschooling parents reading this have gone through some season of trial. Christians and non-Christians go through trying times, but struggling is a gracious gift for the Christian. There is nothing quite like adversity to turn our gazes from our own circumstances to
Christ. We know that God uses the hardships, the uncomfortable challenges to cause us to rely on Him.
With that said, it took me a solid two years with chronic illness to feel that things would be alright. (“Oh ye of little faith,” much?) The truth is, there was a lot to grieve. I realized I would never be the super energetic Mom running her kids to lots of activities. My son is interested in running, just like I used to be. I can’t share that pasttime with him. Vacationing looked a little different when I needed some mid-day naps. These are just the realities, and with His grace and the help of friends sharing the love of Christ with me, I am content.
I am content with the fact that my life is looking a little different than I imagined, but understanding how chronic illness would factor into homeschooling took some time (and tears, and prayer, and lots of reassuring from my husband.) Thankfully, I’m learning some things.
Here are ten confessions that I hope encourage you sufferers.
- Some days I need to cram in a lot of planning for sicker days ahead, and that’s OK.
- Some days we do school lessons from Mom’s bed, and that’s OK.
- Some days one (and only one) chore gets done, and that’s OK.
- Some days ZERO chores get done, and that’s also OK.
- Some days we need to watch a movie so that I can take a nap, and that’s OK.
- Some days that movie isn’t even educational, and that’s OK.
- Some days we have to go with easy rice and beans for dinner, and that’s OK.
- Some days I lose my cool, and I need to repent and ask forgiveness, and that’s OK.
- Some days I feel sad that I have chronic illness, and that’s OK.
- Some days I forget to be thankful and need to repent, rejoicing in forgiveness...
...and that’s more than OK.
There are, no doubt, some seasoned parents going through the grind of homeschooling while feeling
sick. I salute you. Homeschooling isn’t easy to begin with. Add the challenge of keeping a tender, cheerful tone while exhausted or in pain, and it really isn’t easy. I get it, and I’m in it with you.
But if we remember that we don’t got this and that He carries us in this process of
sanctification, this season of homeschooling will go a lot smoother.
So, be gracious with you. And homeschool on.