It’s the time of the summer my thoughts start to turn toward our upcoming year. I’ve finally given up all the guilt from things we didn’t finish and let go of the grand plans I made this time last year! I’ve slept in, drank my coffee peacefully and completely unwound from the past school year. Now, my internal homeschool alarm clock has started to ring to remind me to start looking ahead to our next year… or not?
I’m going into my 20th year of homeschooling (yep… with 5 more years to go) I feel like I’m having an “awakening” on our homeschool path. I know, I should have this down already, right? I’ve graduated half of my students - all with near perfect GPA’s, beautifully curated transcripts, and even hefty college scholarships. Yet…I’m feeling the nudges from the Lord that a new and different plan is waiting for me around the bend. Strange, I know.
But these 20 years have taught me to listen to that “still small voice” and to follow where HIS path leads instead of my own understanding. So, instead of my usual attempts to get a running start to “planning season” for our homeschool year, I’m lingering in my summer-relaxed mode for at least a few more weeks.
Maybe some of you need a “thumbs up” to linger awhile longer as well. It’s OKAY, maybe even BENEFICIAL to take a pause from the curriculum search and spend some time sipping coffee on your porch swing (or hammock) with a book you’ve been “saving” for a time when you have some time (Please - I can’t be the only one that does this!). Maybe you need another unscheduled day at home, or an impromptu hike or maybe even a swim (ocean, lake, river… even just the kiddie pool!) Maybe the closest thing to school or planning you need is a few more chapters of your read aloud (remember… the one you didn’t finish) on the trampoline or the grassy spot under the tree at the local park?
I’m not sure why I feel the compulsion to SLOW down this summer. Maybe it’s the realization of how few summers we really have in this season of parenting. These summer days are limited editions, they don’t last forever, and they are impossible to replace! I do know I want to savor them… not rush on to the next thing.
So mommas, here is your permission slip to hit snooze on that homeschool alarm clock! Take some time to savor these final weeks of summer guilt-free with the amazing crew the Lord has gifted you with. I dare you to jump in the water with your kids, eat the ice cream cones together, and wait to worry about the upcoming year. The Lord has already gone before you, and he will show you the way you should go… at the proper time.
Blessings,
Renita