The Mold

Approximately one year ago I began a journey into the world of homeschooling. I had met a handful of families that did the same and was encouraged in my exodus out of the ordinary. I began to read books by the Maxwells, Forsters, Pearls and Tripps. We began to attend family integrated worship services. I started a subscription to the Above Rubies magazine, penciled in CHEO conferences and keep up on the latest HSLDA updates. I enjoyed much of this, but also felt it part of an unwritten elite homeschoolers code of conduct that I needed keep up with.

As time has gone by I have realized that we will never be able to achieve it all, or frankly, come even close. The visions in my own mind regarding my 'perfect homeschooling life' are an illusion. For instance, I have met wonderful mothers that never seem to get riled! I am in awe! I am not laid back and calm by nature, but I am praying that the fruit of God's spirit would allow me to control my actions and show patience when my temper desires to flare!

I am slowly realizing that it is our connection through Christ and the love for our children that is bringing us together as a homeschooling community. There is no one elite family who has it all and lives the perfect life. Personally, the Lord has blessed my husband and I with unique and energetic boys that always keep us on my toes. They are social, curious, and very strong willed. They have two decimals; loud and louder. Where some children sit quietly through church, my boys roll under the pews. I praise the Lord that I have the opportunity to raise them and educate them in our home.

I initially thought my heart attitude would change if I began to change on the surface. For example; I am a jeans girl all the way- I don't even OWN a dress. I have nice pantsuits for church and am all about femininity, but you won't find any denim jumpers in my closet. Now, I have wonderful friends who have been convicted to wear long skirts and dresses most of the time. So, out I went to the thrift store to find skirts. Much like sitting in a cookie jar does not make you a cookie, thus went the analogy for my short-lived skirt wearing. Could I do it? Sure. But what purpose was it serving for me? My long-term desire is to live modestly and wear attire that reflects that. I found that I could continue wearing the clothing I currently owned and still respect my husband and the Lord.

I know that God will reveal his desires for my family (areas of health, family size, modesty, etc) and pray that I will be receptive to hear them. I am overjoyed in the diversity of God's family and excited to be a part of it. Even if our family does break the mold just a little...