A Case of the Shoulda's

We've all had breakfast, I packed my husband's lunch and now he's at work. The washing machine is running with a load of towels, and the dishwasher is full of breakfast (and some last night) dishes. The kids are upstairs getting their chores done, and I should be getting ready for the school day.

But first I want to take a moment to share something with you about that word -- should.


I've had a case of the "shoulda's" lately. You know, the voice in your head that says, "You should be doing this now," or "Your son should be reading better,"  or how about,  "You should be more organized!" (Do you hear it too?)

Webster's New World Dictionary defines the word should as -- obligation or duty; expectation.  Although it's a valid word, I don't think it's one we need to include in our vocabulary.

As moms, and especially homeschooling moms, we get down on ourselves easily. So much rides on our shoulders, and even though we have a competent God who gives us all the grace we need for each day, we still try to do it all ourselves. And then feel bad when we don't accomplish what we think we should.

The after-holidays/pre-testing time can be very stressful. Your so-called failings as a mom and teacher of your children seem to loom large and threaten to squash you. This is time to remember why we are doing what we are doing.

We are moms because God blessed us with our precious children. That is our first calling, to be rightly related to our children (as loving disciplinarians who show them the way to Christ). Our second calling is to the homeschooling lifestyle.

We have the privilege of being the ones to be there when the teachable "life" moments happen, so we can point them to Jesus and the biblical way to handle things, instead of their choices being shaped by peers in a secular, humanistic environment.

When you get down on yourself, remember this -- homeschooling is not an obligation or duty, it's a choice. And we have chosen well! God will bless our efforts, even when we fall short. (That's another opportunity to shine for Jesus, to show our kids that life is not perfect, even when you are serving Christ.)

So take some time today to hug your kids, especially if they are getting on your nerves. Get out a game and play together. Draw or color, read some books. Enjoy your life!

Before you know it, you will be looking back and wondering where the time went. Don't let grief over the shoulda's steal another minute from you!

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom," (Psalm 90:12 ESV).