Perhaps it is an occupational hazard of being a homeschooling mom. When
I face a problem in my life, I immediately begin researching. I hop on the
Internet, looking for reputable websites that might have solutions, spending
hours trolling through reams of electronic data. By the time I’m done, I’ve
followed too many bunny trails than I care to admit, and I am often more
confused than when I began my search. My head is filled with conflicting
information, and I am no closer to a solution than when I began. Let’s not even
mention the hours of wasted time which I could have spent with my children,
instead of sending them off on their own because, “Mommy is busy right now.”
Sadly, too many times, the hours spent in study and research include
very little time in prayer and God’s word. Proverbs 19:27 says, Cease
listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of
knowledge. When my first reaction is to turn to sources other than the
Lord, then I have ceased listening to instruction. I have strayed away from the
instructions of the Source of knowledge and traded it for the clamoring voices
of the multitude that often only seek to push their own agendas.
I’m not saying there is no place for gathering information or
seeking the counsel of others. What I know is this – when I turn to the Lord
first and seek instruction in His Word, I often find the answers I need. If I
need to look to other sources, my time spent with Him gives me clarity of mind,
making it easier to filter through the abundance of available information, so
that I can quickly find the answers I need and get back to the more important
job of serving my family.
Turning
from a mom into a research associate is only one of many hazards we face as
homeschooling moms. What are some things you struggle with? A few of mine
include trying to control people in my life, needing to be “the best” at what I
do, taking on too many outside responsibilities, and having unrealistic
expectations. (Hmm…I am beginning to see a pattern here.) I hope to write about some of these in upcoming blog posts.
Please let me know if there are particular topics you would like to see
addressed.
