Fueling the Flame
Posted in Homeschool View on Thursday, February 5, 2009
"Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit" (Psalm 51:12).
Sadly, homeschoolers' passion to teach their children sometimes begins to fade. The daily demands of caring for a household and the intense effort required in homeschooling drain even the most dedicated parent. When the homeschooling fire begins to die out, many may choose a half-hearted approach or adapt a martyr, make-it-through-the-day mentality. Others may stop teaching altogether and send their child back into a traditional school setting. The wise homeschool parent, however, will see the coals growing dim and find the fuel necessary to rekindle the flame of passion first given by God. But how does one go about finding that fuel?
To reignite the vision for their child's education, the best thing worn-out homeschooling parents can do is ask the Holy Spirit to come and control them anew. As parents deal with their own personal walk before the Lord, the time spent in self-examination and repentance will show areas in our Christian character that need strengthening. Prideful attitudes are adjusted, and total dependence on God's guidance is reestablished, allowing Him the right to reign over the entire homeschooling process. Most of all, the Holy Spirit is able to clearly reveal Satan's discouragement and remind us what was happening when the passion was last burning brightly.
Have trials and discouragement stolen your first love for homeschooling? The fiery conviction you once felt for your child's education will die if you don't find the right fuel source to keep it on fire. Stay faithful to the call that God has given you and let the Holy Spirit lead and strengthen you today. As you read your Bible, memorize God's Word, and pray for the Holy Spirit's wisdom, you'll be amazed as God provides the encouragement you need to keep the home fires burning! "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them" (1 Timothy 4:15-16a).
Lord,
Please, rekindle the love of homeschooling in my heart. Remind me of the many blessings we have already experienced as a family and strengthen me to remain faithful, as we face the rest of the homeschooling year. May You be praised in all that we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Sadly, homeschoolers' passion to teach their children sometimes begins to fade. The daily demands of caring for a household and the intense effort required in homeschooling drain even the most dedicated parent. When the homeschooling fire begins to die out, many may choose a half-hearted approach or adapt a martyr, make-it-through-the-day mentality. Others may stop teaching altogether and send their child back into a traditional school setting. The wise homeschool parent, however, will see the coals growing dim and find the fuel necessary to rekindle the flame of passion first given by God. But how does one go about finding that fuel?
To reignite the vision for their child's education, the best thing worn-out homeschooling parents can do is ask the Holy Spirit to come and control them anew. As parents deal with their own personal walk before the Lord, the time spent in self-examination and repentance will show areas in our Christian character that need strengthening. Prideful attitudes are adjusted, and total dependence on God's guidance is reestablished, allowing Him the right to reign over the entire homeschooling process. Most of all, the Holy Spirit is able to clearly reveal Satan's discouragement and remind us what was happening when the passion was last burning brightly.
Have trials and discouragement stolen your first love for homeschooling? The fiery conviction you once felt for your child's education will die if you don't find the right fuel source to keep it on fire. Stay faithful to the call that God has given you and let the Holy Spirit lead and strengthen you today. As you read your Bible, memorize God's Word, and pray for the Holy Spirit's wisdom, you'll be amazed as God provides the encouragement you need to keep the home fires burning! "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them" (1 Timothy 4:15-16a).
Lord,
Please, rekindle the love of homeschooling in my heart. Remind me of the many blessings we have already experienced as a family and strengthen me to remain faithful, as we face the rest of the homeschooling year. May You be praised in all that we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Comments(4 comments)
JENNIFER S 02/05/2009 06:38:39
This was such a blessing this morning for me. It is amazing how God uses so many different avenues to speak to you. Thank you for being obedient to the Lord. I am finding the strength through Christ to \"refuel\" and continue my work as a homeschool mom.
EZE C 02/05/2009 10:52:50
Thanks for the encouragement and reminder that we need to be filled with the Spirit. Why do I think I can do it on my own?!
KRISTI S 02/05/2009 11:45:13
I am a mom of 4. 2 of those still in diapers. I work 14 hour night shifts 2-3 times a week as an RN. I am exhausted. I find the need to refuel my flame often. To keep ME motivated I change/modify curriculum as needed, enlist in the family to help with housework, nap when the babies nap, simplify things when life seems chaotic, take time to exercise daily, and lean on fellow homeschoolers for encouragement. Attitude is everything. I must focus on my blessings and not dwell on the negatives, as I CHOOSE to have a good or bad day. Afterall, it takes much more energy to have a bad day!
REBECCA D 02/06/2009 08:46:38
I am a mom of 5 and trying to homeschool 3 of my children. I have been struggling with motivation and desire with homeschooling and just feeling plain ole burnt out. I have stepped back and had to reevaluate the reason I am homeschooling. I have realized that it is time to change or / modify curriculum and change the way I have been doing things. Getting my focus back on God and letting him help me see the areas that need changing has been the best thing for me to do. I was very encouraged by the note left by Kristi Scott, Thqnk you! Attitude is everything and focusing on the blessing can make the world of difference!