Seeing as how I've had umpteen conversations with non-homeschooling buddies who ALWAYS without exception say, "I don't have the patience to teach my kids," I've been thinking a lot on the subject. Friends or acquaintances always assume that you have to have lots of patience to homeschool. What is it about homeschooling that effectively trumps the "I-don't-have-patience" argument?

I've found that such an argument is akin to someone saying, "I'm not good enough to go to church, to accept Jesus," etc. There is the idea that one has to "get cleaned up" before Jesus will acept them. It's the same way when discussing homeschooling. Some folks think they have to have the patience to homeschool before ever beginning. The surprising reality is that God has surprises for all of us--no matter our confidence level prior to homeschooling--who choose to teach our children at home.

Having little patience isn't a reason, it's an excuse. I can tell you [as can the rest of Doehill Homeschool] that patience isn't my best quality. But it's an area where I'm seeing results and improvements. Any Christian who makes a commitment to home education isn't in effect saying "I can handle it all". They are however embracing the benefits of home education as well as the fact that problems will come, but choosing instead to let God handle them.

They problems that have arisen at  our house weren't academic. The children are smart, intuitive, and eager learners. They are well-behaved, bright, and fun to be around. Any problems that have arisen have been normal stresses and strains of life. Home education means being at home--at least part of the time. And when the same three people are around each other 24/7, things are bound to get tense sometimes. [It's usually me!]  But God has helped me grow even in the area of my temper and frustration level, and patience! Praise Him!  

Personally, I found the greatest benefit in homeschooling the deepening of my prayer life. It wasn't my first reason for homeschooling, and it didn't really make the list of reasons when we began. But now, after having done this for a few years, I wouldn't trade the reliance on God's grace and help that I've been forced to develop. Homeschooling can be fun, it can be a blessing, but there are days that only the grace of God can get you through. Looking back, I wouldn't trade them. I may never have had the relationship that I have with Jesus or my children had the Lord not burdened my husband's and my hearts about home education.

The "no patience" line is not a valid excuse at all. I don't know ANYONE--homeschooler or not--who has the patience level that we probably should have. But I do know the One who is the giver of all good gifts! The reason I know Him isn't that I'm holy or patient. I'm always NEEDY! I'm always asking Him for patience--because I struggle with keeping what little I've got!