Life in the homeschooling lane can be grueling at times. Time, money, energy and alertness can seem in short supply. Some days it can feel like I am spinning lines of tottering plates that I dare not let stop or they will all come crashing down. Stress replaces peace and feeling frazzled becomes the norm. I find myself resolutely counting down the days till summer vacation.

This year our family is studying the life of Moses for our Bible time.  One theme that struck me was how, even in the middle of great struggle and crisis, God always provided an oasis.  The perfect heavenly Father knew His people needed to refresh and renew themselves between battles.  Sometimes the battles they faced were actually physical enemies, but mostly it was their own wicked nature that got out of hand and led them into trouble.  Grumbling, complaining, whining, ungratefulness and doubt were chief among their sins. 

At the oasis they would stop and worship God corporately.  They would reflect and repent in the process of being physically renewed.  Sheltering trees by overflowing founts of water gave respite from the harsh desert travel. They paused to remember God’s goodness as flocks were pastured nearby.  Moses  would exhort and encourage the nation to rise above their struggles and to focus on the wonderful promises that God had made. Practical guidelines for successful living were laid down again.  Work was divided up among the many so none were over tasked.  Encouraged by their oasis, fresh vision infused the nation as they left for another lap around Mt. Sinai.

My husband and I see the annual homeschool conferences as our oasis. We spend the year in a battle of sorts.  Sometimes it feels like a vast desert that we keep repeating.  “Didn’t I just teach you multiplication? Do we need to work on that character trait again?”  Questions arise that haunt our steps.  “Is this working?  Can I really homeschool all the way through High School?  Where am I going to find curriculum within our limited budget this year? “ It can be daunting, but then we go to conference.

Inspirational speakers remind us that there is a much bigger picture here than mere academics.  They share the vision of godly family discipleship and we are reminded of why we are homeschooling. We remember how good it is that we have the privilege to homeschool our children.  Workshop speakers share how to tips that we pick at like a salad bar to find the answers we needed.  Rest and refreshment flood our souls as we sing with the crowd of hundreds of fellow homeschooling families.  “Ah, I’m not alone.  Look they did it all the way through High School and it worked out fine.” 

Together we share the tidbits we have gleaned and we divide the work up in our respective roles. Shouldering the task together is easier because we are on the same page after listening to the same speakers together. Somehow the burden is much lighter to bear.  We become excited about the sojourn we are on.  We are inspired yet again to focus on the vision and prayerfully follow the protecting cloud of God as He leads us back into the desert. Don’t miss the chance at oasis for yourself.  Join us at conference this year.