Left, right.  Left, right. That is how we walk, but we don't have to think about each step, do we? 

Well, sometimes, we do.  If we are uncertain about where we are going, or if we have weakness for whatever reason; pain, doubt, fear.

Right now we are on a journey called homeschooling. 

Homeschooling is a huge part of our lives.  We can't seperate it from our lives, it is what we do and who we are, for a time.  It may seem like it will last forever, but wait;  you will find out how fleeting it is.  Just as parenting seems like it will last forever in those early days of night feedings, endless diaper-changes and chasing toddlers.  But just blink and you will see your toddler is now taking care of her own toddler.

How can we walk this path that we have never walked before? 

Do you sometimes feel like you are the trail blazer?  Do you feel like the way is long, and can be cold and treacherous?  Does it look like it will never end? 

 Stop for a second and turn around.  Look behind you at where those steps began.  Maybe once you think about it you might decide that the beginning of this journey isn't something you want to recall.  That is ok!  Maybe you think you have made mistakes or aren't measuring up.  It is ok.  Forgive yourself if you need to, then move on. 

Maybe you started off really wonderfully on this journey, but you forgot your purpose.  Take some time to rediscover what it was that made you take that first step, and then start again.

 Take another step forward. 

Today is a brand new day and "His mercies are new every morning!"  We might feel that we are the only ones on this path, but we are not alone.  There are many who have gone before us and will share wisdom and pray for us.  You aren't alone, you can find support.  That is one reason that HSB exists.  You can find help here, get ideas and prayer.  Please don't hesitate to ask.

The road may seem long, cold, lonely and scary, but it doesn't have to be.  If you are struggling today, dear homeschool Mom,  here is my prayer for you:

Dear Lord,

Sometimes we get overwhelmed as mothers and even more so trying to train our children in character and academics.  We think we don't measure up and sometimes we take the things that people say too seriously, even if they didn't mean anything by it.  We feel inferior if we aren't doing things the same way other homeschoolers are.  We see their achievements and projects and become depressed.  We have finances and jobs and health and all manner of challenges and we start focusing on them instead of You Lord. 

Help us each to see that you are the burden bearer, you are the shelter we seek, you are the provider and you are the creator of each of us!  You are the director of our paths and the light to keep us walking in the right direction.  You made our children and gave them to us as gifts.  Help us to love them and guide them in the way You would have them to go, the way you designed them to go. Help us to learn to relax and enjoy each new day as we learn together!

 And at the end of the day help us to give you all the glory for each thing we experienced. 

 Be with our spouses as they work so hard so we can be  home with our little ones and help us to follow their leading and not falter as the keepers of the home. If we are alone Lord, help us remember that you are our husband and a father to the fatherless.

 Most of all Lord, help us to remember that each day is a new opportunity for us to start over again, and with your help, your word, your love and your guidance we will do just fine!

Amen!

Nancy