This morning I un-enrolled my children from public school.

I can honestly say I never thought this day would happen. Ever.

But it seems every change in our lives has led to this road. This path.

See, before Kadence began kindergarten I really struggled with the idea of homeschooling. I thought that if I was ever going to do it, I should start BEFORE any of my kids got into the system.

But there were several reasons we decided not to keep her home. First off, I had my work at the Record. We needed the income and I had an obligation to help the family business (not an obligation put on by my parents but one that I put on myself as their daughter).

There was no way I felt I could juggle watching three kids full-time, homeschooling a kindergartner AND working.

The deciding factor, though, was that Matt wasn’t 100% on board with it. At that point, I really stopped praying about homeschooling. It seemed that God was telling me that it just wasn’t the way we were supposed to go.

So I moved on.

Kadence started kindergarten. And she loved it! And we loved it!

The rest of the kids soon joined her.

And then a game-changer happened.

My parents decided to sell the Record (read about that here) and I became a stay-at-home mom. Boom. Our life hasn’t been the same since.

And when Matt casually (and COMPLETELY out of nowhere brought up the subject of homeschooling), it was obvious that maybe homeschooling WAS the path God wanted us on.

God has, in his own time, brought about miracles in our life, paving the way for us to make this major, life-changing decision. It really is amazing. And terrifying.

I’ve been terrified that I will fail (but the Bible says: “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” 1 Thess. 5:24).

I’ve been terrified what people will think about us (but the Bible says: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Gal 1:10).

I’ve been terrified that we won’t be able to afford to homeschool (but the Bible says: “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:31-33).

For every fear I offer, God responds with Truth.

One thing I’ve discovered as a parent is that children grow so, stinkin’ fast. And there are no re-dos. There isn’t a pause or a rewind button. This is it. No dress rehearsal. You’re on! These are my children, entrusted to me by God, and I have to follow His lead.

“…in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6

So, that’s what we are doing. We are following the Lord’s lead to homeschool our four children. We don’t have all the answers to all the questions out there as to why. But I can tell you two things that are NOT the reason:

• Our LOCAL school district. Both Matt and me attended our local schools all 13 years and our kids have been in the same system for several years. We think our local administrators and staff and teachers are AWESOME! Several of the current teachers were teachers when we were in school and some were our classmates. It’s a great district and it does a great job.

• FEAR. We are not at afraid of our children being harmed at school either by an external or internal predator. Danger is EVERYWHERE. Even at home.

This was not a decision made lightly or spur-of-the-moment, but more a years-long journey.

When I walked into the elementary school building this morning I was shaking from nerves. But I couldn’t have been treated with more respect and understanding (which further emphasizes the goodness in our local schools) and I left feeling as light as a feather.

Obedience is like that. It’s not easy, but it is light.

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29

Categories: Life on the farm

Tagged as: fear God homeschool path public school

Ginia

My name is Ginia Oehlschlager and I'm a small-town gal from Missouri. Join me as I document my crazy life on the farm with my husband and four kids. I'm always looking for frugal, simple ways to live the life God set before me. Where faith, family and fun come together on the farm.