Stop Everything and Pray
When tears are streaming I often stop my student in their tracks, pull them away from their work, and pray. I pray out loud, even if I’m crying as I do it. I ask God to shine on the situation and show us what to do next. Sometimes my child joins in and sometimes they pout as I pray. I let God do the work within them and pray.Remember Who We Are
I am not equal to my performance, just as my students are not their grades. I am not my gifts and I am not my weaknesses. I am a fully planned, fully loved creation of the King. My strengths are filled with potential for His purposes. Why should my flaws be any different? Often, I’ve gently grabbed the chin of my weeping student and pulled their forehead to mine. I’ve locked my eyes with their’s and reminded them that they have been fearfully and wonderfully made. I tell them that God has begun a good work in them and that He will see it through. I promise them that He loves them and that I am proud of them regardless of the results of their works. And I praise them for their efforts and not the outcomes.Remember Who God is
In the middle of trials, tests, and terrible days it’s easy to forget that God is directing our steps. That He has allowed these hardships for one reason only- to draw us and others closer to Him. I remind myself and my students of God’s great grace. I draw a picture or spin a story to illustrate His beautiful plans for us. Like a seed trapped and changing in the soil, we’re often asked to break and change. Sometimes just like that seed all we can see is the dirt and all we can feel is the hurt. It feels like God is far from us. But soon, if we don’t give up, He’ll help us burst through the crust and bask in the Light of the Son.Remember What God had Done
Starting from as far back as we can remember, my child and I count blessings. The time He saved my youngest from choking on a penny. How He provided a car for my husband the very day his work one was recalled. Every doctor or specialist we’ve met that brought God into the diagnosis and gave us hope. Every single thing we can remember or think of, we hash out. Remembering where we’ve been, and how Jesus has brought us through it, takes the immediate fear away from our failures. It reminds us He’s always watching and goes before us in our trials.Praise and Play
Finally, on our worst of days, we scrap the labor and spend the rest of our day praising God. We crank up the SEEDS CDs or belt a few favorite hymns. We sing and dance. We read and snuggle. We have hot chocolate and treats. We remember that life is a gift and that relationship, with God and with each other, is a blessing beyond measure. We do this by playing. Sometimes, I can sneak in an “educational” game on a bad day. But mostly, I don’t push it. I rely on the Lord to restore the lost time and purposefully take the day to praise Him. The important part is to put God, not school, first and end the day in victory. Tomorrow will have enough trouble of its own. You can reaccess the curriculum and schedules later. Now, is the time to recalibrate and put Christ back in the center of your homeschool. On a tear-soaked, bad day, chose praise over productivity. Connect with me on Facebook @ Author Sarah Hualde. Be encouraged by my works of fiction. You can find them on Amazon or by clicking on the pictures below. Visit me at www.latenightcoffeemoms.com. I’ll be praying for you. Bio: Sarah Hualde lives in a home that brings her happiness and hay fever. Her husband is an award-winning chef, much to the chagrin of her waistline. She is the homeschooling mama to two amazing kids with loud personalities. Writing is her passion. She’s published two books in the last twelve months by the grace of God. Her family is wildly supportive, her dog is extremely loyal and her turtle is deeply condescending. She adores Jesus and loves coffee with a side of pastry. You can connect with Sarah on social media, and on her blog latenightcoffeemoms.com.The following two tabs change content below.
Tiffany
Hi! I am Tiffany, the Outmatched Mama. I am in love with Jesus, have a wonderful husband, and I homeschool FOUR crazy amazing kiddoes! I traded the life of full-time pharmacist work to become a full time wife/mommy/teacher/referee and more! 😉 Most days, life leaves me completely outmatched even with coffee! Thank goodness I don't have to do this in my own strength! (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I am so glad you are here! 🙂
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