Homeschooling at Our House

If you would have told me 10 years ago that I would have 5 children AND I would homeschool them, I would have laughed in complete disbelief (or terror).  To me, homeschooling was the “H word”, and I had no confidence to even to know where or how to start.

Now, stir in a host of personal challenges, and viola, my ticket to “You have been officially knocked off the edge and are free falling!”, was handed to me.  Needless to say, I was fully alive and not at all bored.

I can remember the exact moment when I gave homeschooling a 1% chance like it was yesterday.  My husband had been listening to all of my concerns for my children’s educational development and he said to my utter astonishment, “Don’t rule out homeschooling”.

“What?!? Did he just say the H-word?”  I felt a sigh of relief at exactly the same time that I felt angry at him for suggesting such a ridiculous idea.

“But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.”  2 Corinthians 2:14

I can relate to feeling like a captive as I was led to investigate the unknown world of homeschooling, but I wasn’t too sure about how this pathway would lead to a sweet perfume.

So I just happened to find a nice little analogy. Here is how you make perfume:

(Method 1 of 5: Flowers in oil)

I like how this website says “all you need is some time and some common supplies”.  Now I believe my children are exceptional, but for this analogy, they are a common entity in our house and we have plenty of time together.

First step, “Collect some flowers that appeal to you.”

Um, my children.

Second step, “Fill a jar with odorless oil.”

Let’s see, can I use biblical worldview for this analogy?

Third step, “Cut the flowers off of their stems.”

Pruning is painful and so is MATH!

Fourth step, “Open the jar after a few weeks.”

Well, when you have babies, young kids and elementary students, sometimes it’s best to be prepared to stay at home and not venture out much.

“Spritz on your perfume and you’re done!”   Easy, right?

Well, I must admit, it is not always easy, but it has been a wonderful experience. I am so grateful for the freedom and opportunity to homeschool. If you are finding yourself being pulled into the world of homeschooling, I recommend reading as many books as you can get your hands on, and talk to homeschooling moms. You will be exposed to many styles and ideas which will broaden your understanding. The more you learn, the more your confidence will grow. ~Laura