So many times, when I tell another mom that I homeschool our children, the first response I hear is…”Oh, I could never do that. I just don’t have the patience!”
Can I let you in on a little secret? (Neither. do. I.) Well, maybe it is not quite a secret since my children could easily attest to it and my husband knows it quite well, too. More importantly, I know it and, of course, nothing can be hidden from my Lord.
While trying to instill a love for learning, encourage strong friendships among siblings that will last, discipline in love, and achieve academic training, we are building our childrens’ minds and character AND God is shaping ours. Whether that means molding me to be more flexible, more patient, more gentle, more loving, less self absorbed……. whew!
Becoming a mother and choosing to be with our precious children 24/7/365 has a way of amplifying my sinfulness and creates daily opportunities for the necessary refining process to take place. I am willing to let Christ grow me in this area through the trials, challenges, joys, frustrations, and uncertainties as we walk on this journey we call homeschooling. It is by no means easy and I definitely do not have the needed patience, naturally, ingrained in me. I am starting to realize that I am also being homeschooled as it is Christ who is gradually (v e r y gradually) making the necessary character changes in me.
(Above: a recent volcano experiment….
Yes, an inactive volcano may look calm and peaceful enough, but at any time, it may rumble and roar, spilling forth gases, ash, and hot lava that lie beneath the surface – affecting all those in the surrounding area)
A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly. (Proverbs 14:29)
A man’s wisdom gives him patience. It is to his glory to overlook an offense. (Proverbs 19:11)
Be completely humble and gentle. Be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2)
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
In the above verses, patience seems to be linked to understanding, wisdom, humbleness, forgiveness, gentleness, contentment, and love. Oh Lord, may you continue to train and teach me so that I may possess these qualities in increasing measure, demonstrating them graciously in our home.
