We did it.
Looking back to that first terrifying day of homeschooling in August, I’m not sure how we finished 37 weeks of school at home, but here we are. We did it.
We fell into homeschooling at the last minute, completely unprepared, and grasping for dear life, holding onto the hope that this was where God was leading us for this season, with only the willingness to take the first wobbly step. Thank you, God!
(You can read my post from the night before the first day of school here.)
With a 6 year-old, 4 year-old and 6 month-old in tow, it felt like we had jumped into the deep end but didn’t know how to swim, with all manner of flailing, sputtering, kicking and splashing.
These first few fragile weeks were consumed with taking it one day at a time, head down, treading water and focusing on not drowning. Every effort was spent trying to breathe.
It took TEN weeks (ten!!!) until we found a rhythm that worked for our family and we could finally come up for air. At last we could look around, see a glimpse of where we were going, and notice that where God was bringing us was, in fact, beautiful.
Some days the homeschool water was choppy, and unexpected waves sent us sprawling and gasping for breath, but other days saw stillness, ease and growth.
Looking back on the many weeks and months of this year, I see now that the waves didn’t completely stop, and the water wasn’t always calm. But God taught us to swim. He equipped us, strengthened us, and gave us everything we needed for each day.
One of the verses we memorized this year was Psalm 145:13, "The Lord is trustworthy in all He promises and faithful in all He does."
God knew what this year would bring and what we would need so that He could accomplish His purposes, and so many great moments happened!
Here are a few:
-The oldest learned perseverance and grit, pushing herself to grow and rising up to every challenge, blossoming with a newfound confidence. She noticed many ways to spread joy to others through song and dance, giving thoughtful gifts, and notes/calls of encouragement.
-The middle came alive in her role as supportive side-kick and discovered passions for creating art and being Mommy’s sous-chef. She decided she wanted to follow Jesus for the rest of her life and has been sharing her sweet presence and comforting us all with hugs.
-The baby experienced every milestone surrounded by his biggest fans, and brought smiles to each day. He filled our home with cuddles, exploration and celebration.
-This mama learned at least as much as the littles did, learning to trust God with each day, surrendering the big-picture, and leaning into His steadiness.
I’m so proud of my people and what was accomplished this year. What a joy it has been!
I say WE did it, because it wasn’t just myself as the teacher, or my 7 year-old as the student who accomplished so much this year. It was also the 5 year-old who supported and participated, learning independence and patience. It was the one year-old who found joy in being at the center of everything. It was the husband/father who adjusted to new roles and upheld the many emotions of his family. It was the grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins who helped, guest-taught school lessons and encouraged. It was the friends who listened, played and prayed.
We all did it. And I am so grateful.
Now, we CELEBRATE!!
