From Crayons to Graduation
We start each day with a plan, a list, a schedule, a checklist to cross off.
Every day as moms, we make sure that laundry, meals, errands and everything else is done while our kids grow and change right before our eyes. Then one day you wake up and realize your child is graduating, heading to work or college. We long for one more day, one more moment to experience-reading a book before bed, a late night snuggle or having a real conversation. But time keeps moving, without us even noticing. As a mom who has one in college and one starting her senior year. I’m wrapping up my homeschooling journey. Looking back, it feels like a lifetime ago, yet it feels like we have just started! I’ve been working to find my rhythm after years of being a mom and a teacher. I’ve turned to God’s word and what he says about my future: Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV ) My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God! I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (ESV) I’ve clung to the first part of this scripture almost my entire time with Jesus. I’ve had to remind myself as my children grew up and that we’re now at the end of our journey that some moms, like me, are having to switch gears. We may be asking ourselves what is next for us? That question can be exiting and scary as we turn the page on our homeschooling chapter. If you’re like me, past crayons, glue and fun science experiments, and moving on to Algebra, Chemistry, AP Classes or have moved on entirely from homeschooling, it can be a bit unsettling to stare at the future when so much of it was focused on homeschooling. I’m hoping to share a few tips that might help you to stay on track with what God has in store for you.
1. Take a look at what you enjoy doing. Is it something you’d like to explore as a potential income stream, or is it more of a hobby?
2. Would you like to focus on advancing your education? This could be through formal schooling or self-study.
3. Keep in touch with friends. Whether they’re just starting their homeschooling journey, in the middle of it, retired from homeschooling, or haven’t homeschooled at all, connections are really important during this time of change.
4. Stay focused on God, he takes care of all the rest.