When Mom-teacher-wife hits the wall.
I was reminded of how each of us home schooling moms struggle, when I received this email from ‘Marie’. Earlier in the week she had requested help to navigate the web site in order to complete a transaction for a book order, and when it didn’t come through the system, we emailed her to make sure she had received our reply. She began her email with…
“It’s my fault, I haven’t been back on the site, the Lord reminded me today, I really am looking forward to reading the book (No Ordinary Child), I am in a terrible rut with parenting and home schooling, I have home schooled for 10 years and we have 9 children 6 boys and 3 girls ages 18 - 6 months. In Christ, Marie
I could feel Marie’s heavy burden as I read these brief words. I wanted to reach through cyberspace and give her the BIGGEST hug, make her a cup of tea and clean her kitchen. I don’t even know what state she lives in! I wanted to reassure her that there is hope. It weighed on me as I buzzed about that day. I woke up the next day and replied:
Dearest Marie,
As I’m reading your email, I’m filled with God’s love for you and your family. I’m so sorry you’re struggling - we’ve all struggled and at times, intensely, as we’ve endeavored to be all we must be - or all we THINK we must be as we walk through our days with our precious children. At times I’ve needed to ‘call it a year’ and set ’school’ aside for now. Sometimes, when push has come to shove, I have to re-focus and adjust my priorities for a stretch, while I find my own peace in Him, with my kids’ behaviors and scheduling, and with bringing more practical order (cleaning out stuff, straightening closets, tossing clutter) in our home. Not to mention, taking time to give my husband the loving attention he deserves - he can be sorely overlooked while I’m trying so hard to wear so many hats. What do academics really do, if everything else is askew?
Marie, Jesus loves you today and I commend His love and grace to you! May your burdens become lighter and may wisdom and clarity come for you and yours.
In His great love, Denise
(Marie’s response) Hi, Thank you for your encouragement, (a right word spoken at the right time) the Lord is encouraging me to continue on, but I just can’t see how? That seems so silly for me to not just trust Him. But by faith I will follow. In Christ, Marie
Friends, we’ve all been there. You may have something specific to share with Marie that will make a difference for her in this trying time. Perhaps some practical advice, words of comfort or wisdom. I invite you to share what comes to mind. I know your words will bring encouragement to everyone who pops in to read.
(P.S. Marie gave me permission to share her story with you.)
May 24th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Denise, thank you for sharing this story and Marie thank you for giving her permission. There are times when we do need to set things to one side for a season and just get renewed in Christ and refocus. When ALL is overwhelming we need to end up where we should have been in the first place, at Gods feet. I think we get so caught up in life, ministry, homeschooling, etc. we forget the most important thing and that is to be a daughter to the King first. If we are not daughters first then we will struggle to be anything else. Marie, allow God to do what he must. Be his daughter and allow him to be your father. He loves you so much and he wants to be the very center of it all. I may not know you but consider yourself hugged and I will be praying for you.
May 26th, 2008 at 9:55 am
Through my morning devotion, I was reminded of my verse in Isaiah “You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is staying on Him because he trusts in You.” I have 4 wonderful boys(11-6 years), but I need that verse often. Right now as we are finishing off the year, I often get overwhelmed with planning for next year, and the summer, and trying to clean up around the house, and this, and that. So where is my mind…not on Him. Another verse “delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart” His word is filled with wonderful promises!!! I love it. He is your strenth and your peace. Cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you!!! He loves you and wants you to give it to Him, Marie. God Bless you and may the Lord give you peace of mind!!
Maria
May 27th, 2008 at 1:41 am
How about struggling dads