Inspiration for Homeschool Moms?
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Someone in our homeschool group recently asked what fellow homeschool moms did to provide inspiration or renewed enthusiasm for themselves and the kids. Unfortunately, no one really had any ideas. Apparently, this is a time of burn-out for everyone.
I found something this week, however, that worked really well for me. It’s a little thing called perspective.
I just finished reading a really good book by Karen Kingsbury called Halfway to Forever. It’s about two couples facing loss in their lives. In one of the families, the wife has already lost her first husband and daughter and faces losing a second child. In the other family, a couple faces the possibly terminal illness of the wife. I was so moved, nearing the end of the book, because I found myself reflecting on the emotions these families must be facing.
I also found myself unable to forget a horrible dream that I had about two weeks ago.
In this nightmare, I had been asleep and awoke to remember that Megan, my youngest child, had died — every mom’s worst nightmare. I’ve known people who have lost a child or a spouse and I’ve always thought that the worst time would have to be the time right after waking. There are those blissful moments between sleep and wakefulness when you don’t remember where you are or what day it is. Then, reality hits.
I’ve always thought that those must be the worst moments after losing someone because it must feel like losing them all over again.
So, in this dream, I was waking up to the realization that Megan was gone. Then, I starting telling myself, over and over, that it was only a dream…but, in my mind, I knew it wasn’t.
I went downstairs to check on her, the whole way chanting to myself that this was only a dream. But, when I got to her room, she wasn’t in her bed. Her favorite blanket was wadded up on the bed, but she was gone. And, I realized that it wasn’t a dream
It was so realistic. When I really woke up, the relief I felt was indescribable. God must have known what I needed, because shortly after that, I heard Megan coming up the stairs. I met her with open arms as she climbed into bed with me. I watched her sleep for a long time. I thanked God, literally, every time I looked at her for the two or three days following the dream. It’s been about two weeks now and whenever I recall the dream, I still thank God that it was only a horrible nightmare.
Megan spent most of the day in bed sick on Monday, so, by the time I went to bed Monday night, I just missed her. I felt like I hadn’t seen her all day. Josh, who is still going through his season of needing to be with us, was asleep in our bedroom floor as I was finishing this book. I kept looking at his sleeping face and being so comforted that he was there.
When I awoke on Tuesday, I had such a feeling of thankfulness and perspective. I don’t mean that to sound “holier-than-thou” and I know that, even though we’re thankful for our families, they can still frustrate us to no end and we can still have those “blah” times as homeschooling moms. However, the whole thought process that I’d been having really changed my outlook on the day. I just wanted to enjoy my kids and let them know how much I love them and how very blessed I feel to be their mom.
That feeling set the emotional climate in our home for the rest of the week. Everything didn’t go perfectly as planned and there were moments when the kids were irritable, but there was a joy in being together that changed my outlook, and subsequently the kids’ outlooks, on everything we did this past week. I pray that we can hold onto that thankfulness and cherish our time together, realizing that this, too, is a season that will pass all to quickly.
“Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.” – Psalm 127:3
What practical tips do you have to offer a homeschooling mom who is feeling uninspired and “unenthused”…you know, for those times when you don’t have a nightmare and an emotionally-charged book to put things into perspective? 😉
Kris Bales is a newly-retired homeschool mom and the quirky, Christ-following, painfully honest founder (and former owner) of Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. She has a pretty serious addiction to sweet tea and Words with Friends. Kris and her husband of over 30 years are parents to three amazing homeschool grads. They share their home with three dogs, two cats, a ball python, a bearded dragon, and seven birds.
When we realize we are having one of “those” days sometimes we just call it off. Go to the library, play musical instruments, clean the house with the music blasting or bake something yummy. Other times we have one of the kids teach something they have heard/read or learned outside of the normal school work. Sometimes, when we can’t afford to take off, we just have a 10 minute comedy show. The kids get to tell their favorite jokes, and make us laugh. Or try to. Art is a good way to get back on track and inspired. The other day, we were just bored. We looked out the window and noticed the fall colors and decided to go on a walk. We collected leaves and created collages and then that turned into learning about different trees, etc. We ended up doing science and getting back on track. This is a great post..thanks..I can’t wait to read other’s ideas.
Kris,
This is such a great post! Perspective is where it begins and ends, girlfriend! We just sat down for our family “Christmas meeting” where we take a look at the things we do each year, what we want to make sure we do again, and what we don’t have to do this year. As my children begin to leave the nest (my oldest is a junior) I want to be sure that I embrace each moment with them!
Take a minute to stop by my blog and leave a comment about your parenting fears! I might be able to include your thoughts in an upcoming article for ParentLife!
Take care!
Beautiful post!
This was such a touching post. I had a similar nightmare recently and woke up in the middle of the night so grateful to see my toddler fast asleep beside me. I must have stayed awake for a couple of hours just watching her sleep and reflecting on what a gift she is.
Loss – that’s exactly what it feels like – waking up to start another day as you always have and being slammed in the heart by the reality that your life is no longer what you’ve always known; that you are irrevocably forever changed, but the world marches on as if nothing happened. It is cruel. I know I am not special for having suffered the loss of my mother – many have, but that fact doesn’t make my loss any less painful.
It’s been nearly three years now and there are times I still struggle to find God’s plan. Thank you for sharing and I pray that your memories of the nightmare (they can be so heartbreakingly real) continue to guide you only towards peace and appreciation of the love that surrounds you.