Posted in Mothering

http://www.teenmissions.org

When my pastor told the story I related here a few posts down,  I knew it was a keeper.  It just was such a great picture to me of what it's like to be a homeschooling mom. 

I thought about the day Bo left for Brazil--and every day since he's been gone.  He was leaving for two months, his first time really "out there" in the world, and there wasn't time for any last-minute instruction. . . You know how when you're going to visit someone and you're in the car saying, "Now, say 'yes sir' and 'yes ma'am,' and don't hog all the toys, and don't complain about the food . . ."  It's such a useless thing to do, anyway, isn't it?  If our kids don't behave normally, they're not going to turn into angels just because there are new people around!  They're probably going to act just like they normally do, only amplified!  So it was that day, and so it will be for the rest of my life.  I'd even be too far away to go around apologizing for him after every slip--"Oh, he's just tired today!" or "He doesn't usually have to share!" or whatever.  

The biggest contributing factor to my lack of fear in letting him be so far away for such a long time was the fact that for 15 years, he lived life under my nose!  I know when the child--excuse me, young man!--sneezes, for heaven's sake!  I certainly know every time he's rude to his siblings, or doesn't complete a task promptly, or is slack in his Bible study.  I can correct most things immediately because WE'RE BOTH HERE.  I'm not hearing about his character lapses 8 hours or 8 weeks or 8 months after they happen.  God is so gracious to have led me to homeschool! 

Of course perfection is impossible.  I'm ashamed of the times I've heard something happen that I knew I should do something about and I've been too lazy to get up and handle it. I've had to do much apologizing for my own impatience, laziness, and being over-critical.  I guess in a way, that's part of the preparation, too.

The fact is that if you're not currently in a storm, there's one on the way.  It's true for you as an individual, for you as a family, and for your children individually and even for their future families.  They may not go halfway around the world; maybe it will be the neighbor's house, or summer camp, or maybe college!  There will be lots of days of sunny weather, too.  The sunny days are the ones designed for preparation!  You can't prepare for the future and live for yourself today all at the same time.  Will I regret not having had a career?  Will I regret pouring my life into my husband and children, wishing I'd had more money or a bigger house or a nicer car instead?  Will my kids wish I'd gone to work so they could have more things?  I don't think so!  When the storm comes, will you be able to sleep?  Knowing you've done all you can do to prepare is a huge part of that battle!