After homeschooling for 15 years, last year I was ready to throw in the towel.
Not because it was going wrong. Not because I needed to go to work full-time. Not even because of a serious illness.
I was considering throwing in the towel and calling it quits because……
I wanted ‘me’ time.’
Yeahhhh….that’s it. I wanted time to do what I wanted to do.
In my head I reasoned that if my children were in public school I’d have more time to clean and organize my house AND SEE IT STAY THAT WAY…..If I had more time.
I meditated on the fact that if my children were in public school then I’d have all the time I need to build and grow my business.
I dreamed of all the time I’d have to read books, sit down for a bit, visit with other friends who are stay at home Moms if my children were in public school.
I longed for the quiteness I would enjoy if my children were in public school.
Last night, I read a post on facebook that a friend posted saying that someone shared on their fb page. My fb friend wanted to know if we (homeschoolng moms) felt that her statement was true.
“Homeschool takes up a lot of time, it is hard for NON working parents … almost impossible for working parents….”
And although I agree that homeschooling can be hard and…….
Yes, it does take up a lot of our time.
But…….
Well, back to my original story.
My children and I visited our local public schools. Four of my children were excited about the idea of heading off to public school.
While one was in tears that I would even entertain such a thought.
As we all walked through the school I looked at all of the precious little elementary faces.
Faces of many that were enjoying their time there.
Faces of many who were unbelievably sad and forlong.
I imagined my then little four year old heading off to school away from me all day. My six year old twins (at the time) full of innocence and thrill for life having to stay in a classroom away from our way of learning.
Thoughts of my then eight year old being the teacher’s helper all day because he loves helping but getting in trouble all day because he LOVES to talk.
For me, I realized that, although I want want want my time, ME TIME, Queen-time….I would miss out on seeing them live life in the way that I had always thought my children should live it.
Vicariously.
Gleefully.
Whimsically.
Freely.
Experimentally.
Hands-on’ly (Ha! It’s a made up word that rhyms with ‘lonely.’)
Creatively.
Academically …….but the Perry style.
Now finishing my public school story…….
By the time we all loaded up in the car emotions flooded me about my decision to consider public school.
As long as I can remember I always wanted to be a wife, a mom and a teacher!
ALWAYS!
I’m living my dream life.
There will be a day that will come where I’ll have ALL THE TIME I WANT (Lord willing.)
For now…..I feel I HAVE TO fulfil my dream.
My call.
My mandate.
Homeschool my children.
Live life with my children.
Watch them build little houses with Uno cards and Phase 10 cards just for fun.
Be present when they run up to me and declare, “Mom, did you know heyenas are not dogs. They are dog-like. And they aren’t cats. But they are cat-like. They actually are in their own category.”
Give of my time for hugs all day long.
Be free with my time to realize that having a perfectly clean home doesn’t win me a prize. Maybe a little sanity…..but not their hearts.
Honestly, I had to pray and ask the Lord to help me with my attitude.
“Please satisfy me with where I am.”
Time-less. (being without ‘me’ time)
It really is a mindset. It really is a dying a bit to yourself. It really is realizing that time can be made for anything we want to make it for.
Why not keep my children at the top of the list?
They are worth my time for this season of life which goes by so fast.
Oh….it is a sacrifice no doubt. However, sacrifices always bring about life.
In some shape, fashion or form.
Honestly, would I dare miss giving of my time to miss a moment of these images of life with my children?
Nope!
Share the encouragement. Be sure to share this post with a homeschooling friend.
Serving You and Yours,
Angela Jordan Perry,
UCHU owner/administrator/director
Angela Jordan Perry, is a wife of 24 years, homeschooling Mom of eight children, entrepreneur, mad’am farmer, Toastmaster and follower of Christ. Angela and her family makes their home in Campobello, SC.