Finding Joy in the Journey...

....when we find ourselves in the desert - times where we experience physical, emotional and/or spiritual dryness.

It is common this time of year to find  homeschool burnout rampant.  Grey skies, inclement weather, deep questions as to how we are fulfilling God's will and the call to homeschool all contribute.

The role we have raising children and homeschooling may come to seem a drudgery at times.  A veil lowers over our hearts and we see little joy in our days.

I know - I've been there, done that.  I've been formally homeschooling for 18 years...

It is not all a bed of roses.

I want to assure you that the joy remains but perhaps muted by our state of mind and heart.  It takes effort for our eyes to see and our hearts to move.

It is an effort worth making!

For the sake of our loved ones, I want to encourage you in the little things which will lead to the big things.  The joy is there waiting for eyes that see and hearts uplifted!


Baby steps, my friends!

A grateful heart

Start the day counting your blessings.  At first it may take some practice if it is not your nature as your body wakes but an invaluable exercise in seeking joy.  I've face some devastating events in my life and I will say I had to "practice" much but that practice lead me to where I am today.

I wake up these days gleeful and grateful that I have another day with my family to seek God's will and live in His grace and mercy.

Pray

Keep the communication open between you and the Lord.  He knows your heart and wants what is best for you and your family.  He is your strength in weakness.

Keep your Bible close

Everything you need to know for the journey is there!  Memorize verses that keep you focused on the Lord and the goal you have set for your family.  My favorite verse this time of year is:

 ^"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."  Philipians 4:8

You've been called to homeschool your children - this verse says it all about the call, the beauty of  living in the call and God's will for your family. 

Include your spouse

Share your journey with all its ups and downs.  Pray together.  Seek strength together.  You were both called to this lifestyle - be there for one another.  


Go through the motions

Keep the structure of your days.  There is comfort in structure.

A counselor once told me to "act as if" and the feelings with follow.  There is so much truth to this!  Mothers are often called to "act" beyond what our human nature has to offer.  At times, we are weary,  patience tested, sleep deprived and yet we continue to respond lovingly to the little ones looking to us for care and nurturing. 

Sometimes we just need to put on a smile on as we greet the day and so very often the feelings will follow.

Take a break

Sometimes, a short break is needed for a hard working, homeschooling mom's spiritual and mental health.  We school year-round so that we can take breaks as necessary.

Time filled with escaping from the routine can be conducive to improving your quality of life when in the throes of burnout.  Sometimes a cup of hot tea and ten minutes uninterrupted will do and, at times, a day or two (or perhaps more) will help you get a better perspective.

Devotionals

I keep a variety of devotionals close at hand for encouragement.  I have two favorites right now.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young has very short entries for a busy homeschooling mom.  From today's entry:

"I am ever so near you...Let Me be your positive focus.  when you look to Me, knowing Me as God with you, you experience Joy."

Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman.  A book for those of us who tend to spend more time in the desert - especially those of us who homeschool children with special needs.  From the book cover:

"Filled with insight into the richness of God's provision and the purpose of His plan, this enduring classic has encouraged and inspired generations of Christians.

From today's entry in regard to those who struggle:

"Your heavenly Father knows.  (Matthew 6:32)"

"Yes, Father, for this was your pleasure (Matthew 11:26)

 to "claim  an eternal truth upon which the most mature believer, and even the youngest child of God, may securely rest - the truth that God is your Father."

...a loving Father who knows and seeks only good for you...

Journal

Busy homeschooling moms may not have time to journal but expressing your thoughts and feelings in a journal but it is one I highly recommend.  Having a place to give to expression to your joys and trials is so helpful.  Sometimes we need a very safe place to  do some soul searching, let go of our burdens, work out our feelings, make forward progress in things that tug at our hearts and minds.

My only advice is to keep God in your journaling so it may be free of things that may be toxic to your heart and soul.

Seek spiritual direction

Your spiritual health is important!  When one feels they have been in a place of spiritual dryness for way too long and finding it is affecting our relationships, we might consider looking for specialized help.  Sometimes we need to seek some clarity in the form of a spiritual director/mentor or  a pastor.

Good friends

God intends us to live in community with others.  Hopefully, we have a community with others traveling a similar journey.  Reach out and share your burdens and your joys.  What a blessing friends can be!

So, my friends, be encouraged today.  The joy is there.  Take those baby steps to lift the veil that hides it from you.