Do Not Grow Weary, Homeschooling Mom!
Twice in the New Testament we are told, “Do not grow weary.” First in Galatians 6:9 (Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary) and again in 2 Thessalonians 3:13 (But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good). It’s so easy to say, but it’s hard to do! As a mom, you’re tired– you may be experiencing burnout from homeschooling, or you may be feeling overworked from all the various hats you wear.
I am here to whisper the words of the Bible into your ear, “Do not grow weary!”
Do Not Grow Weary in Mothering
Whether you have one child or a dozen (or more), being a mom is challenging. Do not grow weary! Easy for me to say, huh? No, it’s not … I was physically weary quite often when my children were young. After my first was born, I couldn’t get enough sleep. After the second was born, I learned the art of ‘power napping’ and snoozing with one ear alert. With the third and fourth … oh, my, but I was tired some days! Yet, I was also getting better at disciplining myself to go to bed at a decent hour. By the time the fifth came along, I was still tired, but I was not weary. I knew it was a season, and that it would pass. I knew he would not be an infant forever, and I loved our time together in the middle of the night. Actually, I loved my time with all of my children in the middle of the night, but sometimes I was just so tired I didn’t enjoy it!
This time will go by quickly. I’m sure you’ve heard that from many, many people. Maybe you’re like I was, and you’re thinking, Not quick enough! Let me assure you that one day you’ll find yourself saying, I miss those days. Enjoy the time you have with your children, whatever age they are. Stop what you’re doing and talk to them when they ask questions. Take them out to lunch for no reason other than to spend time with them. Give them an extra hug before bed. They need to know how important they are to you. Do not grow weary in mothering.
Do Not Grow Weary in Teaching
As the mom, you teach them to walk and talk, to tie their shoes, to be polite, to do math and read and write. You teach them about loving Jesus, their family, and others. And about the Constitution, photosynthesis, and verb/tense agreement. You teach them to learn. As they grow, the subjects get more complex and deeper. Eventually, they are learning on their own. Yet, you’re still teaching them — from you, they learn to be an adult, to be a parent, and to be a wife (or what to look for in a wife). They will learn from your actions. They will mimic you without even knowing it.
These homeschool years will go by just as fast as their childhood–maybe even faster! Don’t be afraid to switch programs or curricula (or even use outside classes) if you feel your child isn’t working to their full potential in a subject. You may not be as excited about history as you are by grammar, and that may be reflected in how you teach. Find a way to get excited! Learn something new yourself so you can teach it to your children! Better yet, learn together! Take field trips, watch videos, write to experts, use audio books. Homeschooling doesn’t have to look like traditional school. Switch it up a bit if needed. Do not grow wearing in teaching.
Do Not Grow Weary in Serving God
Maybe you’ve been volunteering in your community a couple days a week, but it’s starting to become a challenge to work out the schedule due to conflicts with your family activities. Or, maybe you’ve been volunteering in the same ministry at church for over 10 years and you’ve lost your passion for it. Or, maybe you feel short-term, foreign missions are calling to you, but you aren’t sure how to fit it into your schedule.
Your children are watching you. They’re taking mental notes on how adults serve God. They need to know that each area of service trains you for another, and they need to know how to transition without feeling guilty. There is a season for everything. As our children grow, our areas of service will grow and/or change. God will use you in so many different areas over time to serve Him! Whether you serve at church, on the mission field, in your community, or in your own home, always remember that you are glorifying Him. Do not grow weary in serving God.
Do Not Grow Weary
How did Jesus avoid growing weary? Matthew 14 tells us of how He withdrew when He heard of John the Baptist’s death. Mark 1 and Luke 4 both tell of the time Jesus arose before dawn to find a secluded place to pray. Luke 5:16 tells us that Jesus “would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.”
How often, and where, do you pray? Many moms have a morning (or evening) quiet time for prayer, and offer blessings before meals. What about while you’re driving? Turn the radio off and start praying! (Please keep your eyes open!) Pray for the precious children God has given you; for the hard-working husband He has blessed you with; your healthy body and mind; for financial needs; and for salvation of family and friends. Pray for a parking spot; for a break in traffic; and for the safety of the person who just sped past you. What about while you’re cooking? Pray for the missionaries who spoke at your church recently; for your pastor’s sermon to reach the lost; and for the various ministries to have enough volunteers. What about while you get ready in the morning? Pray for God to open your mouth at just the right time to speak His words; for stamina to teach your children; and for God to show you where He wants you to serve. Do not grow weary, and pray without ceasing!
The road is not always easy, and you will tire of mothering, of teaching, and of serving at times. But, do not grow weary. Seek first His kingdom and He will attend to your needs.
