Surrender
In 2015, while pregnant with my oldest son, Nehemiah, the Lord began speaking to my heart about leaving the classroom as a public school teacher, being a stay-at-home mom, and eventually homeschooling him and my future children.
It was NEVER in my plans or my desire to stay at home. I loved working outside of the home, teaching my students, and making a positive impact in their lives. It was so hard for me to let go. Honestly, I felt like leaving the classroom was taking away from my purpose (Ha! Like I knew what was best for me). But with tears in my eyes, and an unclear vision of the future, I surrendered and trusted God in His direction & leading.
Fast forward through a few years of growth and challenges. Wins and lessons. And God continuously speaking to my heart and grooming my mindset through various opportunities, events, circumstances, and conversations to understand the calling of being a homeschool mom, my home became my classroom for my children.
As a homeschool mom, I have the opportunity to have a front-row seat to my children's education--fully knowing and learning their strengths and weaknesses and finding ways to help them accomplish feats while being successful in learning and growing in God’s word.
Now, I know that God had purpose in calling me to serve in my home and it’s been a gift that keeps unfolding in unimaginable ways. The Lord has been faithful to me and my family along our homeschool journey. He’s provided our needs as well as our heart’s desires.
Back in 2021, Nehemiah completed his kindergarten year. One thing I wanted him to experience was a formal kindergarten graduation. Yes, I’m that mom who wants the “all-out” event photos of milestones and memories. I didn’t want him to miss out on that experience and coincidentally neither did he. And of course, God provided once again.
“Mommy,” he said, “I want to have a kindergarten graduation. One wearing a hat and everything.” And exactly one week later, I found a local homeschool co-op graduation event.
If you are unfamiliar with the endless dynamics of homeschooling, you're probably thinking, "Wait? Homeschool kids have graduations?!" Yes, they do! Thankfully, our homeschool community at that time hosted such events to give students a full educational experience to celebrate milestones and achievements. And now, my baby has a forever memory of a kindergarten graduation.
This picture represents a blessing of obedience and trusting God with my surrender. Now understand that I am not "anti-any formal school setting”. I mean, I am a product of a public school system, I taught in public schools, and I use part-time private Christian school settings within my children’s homeschool routine. However, homeschooling is the best educational setting that works for our family vision and dynamics. It hasn’t been an easy road but the journey thus far has been worth it. And I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Reflection: Is there an area of surrender you feel God calling you to? Take some time to seek Him about it. I hope that what I shared encourages you towards obedience in trusting God and for you to know that God will be with you every step of the way. If you have a journey of surrender you’d like to share, I’d love to hear about it. If you have a specific prayer request concerning surrender, I’d be more than happy to partner with you about it in prayer.