Our children are not allowed to be rude to one another. My husband and I try to be good role models for our children. We have tons of books containing character-building stories.
So with all this preparation, why do my children still struggle with relational problems?
Yesterday was one of those days. The bickering and arguing started early in the morning. The bad attitudes started the day off on the wrong foot and soon all of the children were grouching at one another.
It was contagious: I became grumpy and discouraged....wondering if it was my fault.
Am I being consistent enough? Or was I a bad example in dealing with Mimi about making her bed? Or was I too harsh with Aaron about doing his morning chores? I was wondering if maybe I am doing this all wrong.
But while out on my daily walk, the Lord reminded me that it's not my fault. Part of the problem is the sin nature that our children are equipped with as they leave the womb. (Eccl. 7:20)
And we all struggle with the "desires of the flesh" that cause us to respond in wrong ways. Children - and adults - have relational issues throughout life that must be addressed with godly character training.
So what about the discouragement that this situation can bring? Having your children with you all the time can put a magnifying glass to these issues, and it's easy to get discouraged. But I have been discouraged by things other than the character training of my children. ..strained relationships with a family member, or the actions of a friend. The list of discouragements is endless.
So discouragement doesn't come because we are homeschooling; it comes as a part of life. What we do about it will affect how well we deal with the more challenging times.
Do I humble myself and cast my cares on the Lord? Do I really believe He cares for me?
"Casting all your cares on Him, for He cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7
Have a blessed day, friends!
linking up with www.deeprootsathome.com
www.raisinghomemakers.com
Wow, last year I felt this way. I was in my second year of homeschooling and it was a challenge. It still is. This is so true. I wish I had read this a year ago, because I got so discouraged last year I made drastic changes that now it too late to change at the moment. I know God will help me get out of my problem taht I created, because He is so gracious. But I don't ever want to take advantage of that. It is never too late to cast your cares. Thanks for sharing this. I needed this reminder. I also appreciate all your post and have enjoyed your blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. It is so easy to ask yourself "is it my fault?". I am glad you wrote that because I have felt this way (that my son's disobedience is my fault despite my correcting him) lately. He is only 13 months, but it has already begun, but it is good to remind myself that it is built in sin.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your family for upholding biblical values for your children.
Having been brought up as a homeschooled daughter, I can totally relate! There are days when I wonder whether all of us really love the Lord as we say we do, when nobody can get along! But, like you said, we still battle with our flesh daily. I find that when I don't start my day off with Jesus, it's harder to be kind, and forbearing with my siblings. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa, This may or may not encourage you, but I believe homeschooling, as fraught with the need to grow in these character issues as it is, is MUCH less of a life-long issue. My motto has been 'pay now or pay later"! Just remember that your children are much less likely to have to face bullying, hearing sexual-innuendo and later being exposed to sexual exploits, and materialism in their faces! Satan wants us to feel we have it bad, but in reality, we are so blessed to be able to deal with these attitudes right as they come up. And the ratio of teacher to student isn't 35 to 1!!! Trust in Jesus and lift up your eyes to Him as you cast those cares!!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I pray you will not grow weary in well doing. It is so much better than trusting them to the school system, 'Christian' or otherwise. My motto was and is 'pay now or pay later!! you have so much better opportunity to train them up and not have to undo the effects of bullying, exposure to sexual issues, and materialism seen everywhere. God designed you and your husband to be their teachers. Stand firm! I trust you will :)
ReplyDeleteA good reminder, thank you for sharing your heart!
ReplyDeleteA good perspective to remember....when things get rough, it is so easy to assume there's something wrong with the homeschooling (or the methods...or the curric...etc!) Thanks for sharing this :)
ReplyDeleteI awarded you the Liebster Award on my blog, today. Your blog is always an encouragement to me :)
Have a blessed day!
Collette
I love this. It is a wonderful reminder and source of encouragement. I hope you will consider adding it to the Link Party on my blog.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
Great reminder, Lisa. And wow, you were right, you do love quotes! Don't be surprised if I use one and link back to you! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for all that you shared. You said it isn't your fault (or mine) and I appreciated reading that and it is and will be an encouragement to me. I look forward to reading down through your blog. I have enjoyed the blogs of several younger ladies but it is also a blessing to have found a couple slightly older ladies ;-) just yesterday (your blog) and today at 'Deeper Roots at Home.' I am in my last year of homeschooling as my youngest finishes up and my second-to-youngest does College Plus at home. The past 25+ years have been full and completely worth it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and following, Judith Anne! And thanks for the kids words. I love "visiting" you and seeing all yummy-looking dishes you post photos of. :) And I look forward to stopping by in the future, too. Hope you have a blessed week-end. :)
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