Homeschool

Hard to believe I am about to enter my 4th year of homeschooling.  What a joy it has been.  Hard sometimes, yes.  But, overall, a complete joy!!!  I truly believe I am doing what God would have me to do right now.  Those moments that I get to really delve into spiritual truth with them and I see them "get it".....oh, so priceless.  Yes, we study math and english much to Ella's dismay ;) but there are some things more important than being well-educated by the world's standards. 

It's nice to get to do school in your pj's on a rainy day.  It's nice to have a picnic for lunch on a beautiful day.  It's a blessing getting to spend precious time with my children knowing they are only small for a short while.  But, don't get me wrong.  It's hard.  Lesson planning when I'd rather have some down time.  Worrying that they are really getting all they need.  Teaching even when I am sick. 

Yesterday, I went to Office Depot to make some copies for next school year.  My neighbor is a teacher and suggested I ask if I could get a teacher discount as some places give them to homeschoolers.  So when I asked the lady behind the counter, her response was that they only do that for "real teachers, not just people who don't feel like sending their kids to school."  WHAT???  Can I just say that I felt my chest get tight and I know my response had to be all over my face.  Yet, the Holy Spirit reminded me of the Scripture in James 1:26 that says "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless."  Also, James 1:19 "...Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires."  OK...deep breath.  Yet, she proceeded to ask my girls, "Do you like being homeschooled?  You like your mommy being your teacher?  Really?  You can tell me the truth, she's not looking?"  Oh my....I must move on....

"....people who don't feel like sending their kids to school."  I can only assume she meant people too lazy to get up in the mornings and get their children up, dressed, fed, ready and off to school.  Can I just say

Does this look lazy to you?  This is next year's curriculum.  I'm a little overwhelmed just looking at this picture...lol :)  Can I just say that to get my kids off to school would be easy.  To let someone else do all of the planning, teaching, having responsibility for their education.  If they went to school, we would actually have more money because I would be working more so we could afford more "things" that we currently sacrifice in order to homeschool.  I would have 8 hour sections of time to have ME time and sit on the couch, paint my toenails and eat bonbons. 

I know that homeschool is not for everyone and I am certainly not passing judgment on those who send their kids to "regular" school.  We may be there one day.  We are prayerfully taking this year by year.  I also know that everyone in the world doesn't hold to the same convictions that we do.  But, geez, why do others have to be so judgmental about homeschooling?  I've had to speak up at work even when people comment about how socially awkward homeschooled kids are.  Really?  Maybe some, not all.  But aren't their socially awkward people all over the world who went to "regular" school?  Just when I think homeschooling is becoming more of a norm, ignorant people open their mouths and spew forth ridiculous opinions. 

Honestly, though, I also felt a pang of conviction.  How often do I judge others because they are different from me?  So often we fluff away judgment in the name of "just my opinion."  {Big sigh}

Well, that's my rant.  Had to get it off my chest.  Wish me luck as we enter first and third grades :)