A Change of Plan

One of the hardest learned lessons in my life has been to never say "never."

Years ago, God convicted me of pride. It was masquerading as righteousness in my heart, but God knew otherwise. And for me, a red flag that pride was under the surface was any time I said, "I would never ____ (fill in the blank). "I would never let my daughter read that." "I would never let my son wear that." It could be good reasons behind my decision, but subconsciously I was comparing myself to the mother who did let her child wear something, patting myself on the back for being more righteous.

One area that God really convicted me of was my children's schooling. This is an area of potential judgement within the Christian community. I was carefully to not judge anyone for their decision on how to educate their children.

When my children were first starting school, I worked outside the home and we had extra income. We were determined to send our children to Christian schools. But then my husband lost his job, we moved across country and we decided I would stay home. Which meant we didn't have extra income. So my kids went to public school.

It was either that, or I found a job. But I liked being available to help in the classroom and have lunch once a week at the school. We saw God's hand clearly in that decision. Since that time, our children have attended public school, and I've worked from home.

Then we adopted our precious daughters, Cathrine and Ruth. God hand-picked them from Africa, where they had no schooling. We didn't know what to expect. Everyone said they'd catch up quickly, that they'd be like little sponges. We prayed about what to do with their schooling, and God directed us to put them in the public school with their brothers. Our youngest daughter is thriving academically, but our oldest daughter struggles. She has blossomed in confidence and socially, which was a true need for her. But she struggles with the basics, especially in math.

Now to tie up all the loose end of this post. I'm so glad I never said "I will never home school my children." Because God is now calling me to teach Cathrine at home. And, shockingly, He's calling me to home school my youngest son, who will be a high school freshman next year.

Although I've been open to this for years, I didn't see it coming. But the need is clear. I don't know how long this will be for, or how I'm going to do it. I don't seem to have the personality of my friends who home school. Honestly, I'm overwhelmed with the task ahead of me. So I'm coming to my bloggy friends for help with two needs.

1) If you have any advice on how to start homeschooling, I'd love it. Please let me know if you can suggest any websites, organizations or curriculum.

2) We are going to sell our home-based business, Rose Lane Cottage. If you know an honest Internet business broker, or someone who might be serious about buying it, please let me know.

Years ago I asked God to do whatever was necessary to eliminate pride from my heart. He's done that by putting me in places where my need for Him is great. I'm in that place again.

In His Love,
Glynnis